GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL OPERA SUPERSTAR
JESSYE NORMAN TO SERVE AS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR FOR CENTENNIAL KICK-OFF
Announcement marks 100-day countdown to February 1, 2013 celebration.
NEW YORK – October 24, 2012 – Metro-North Railroad and the Grand Central Terminal
Centennial Committee announced today that internationally renowned opera singer Jessye
Norman – one of the most successful performers in the history of classical music – will serve as
Artistic Director for the 100th Anniversary celebration of Grand Central, an all-day event on
February 1, 2013.
In her role, Ms. Norman will advise on and help plan the performances and other show aspects
of the celebration throughout the day, which will be an art- and surprise-filled public celebration
aimed at commuters, visitors, residents and neighbors. Plans include:
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an opening ceremony and public rededication event in the Main Concourse featuring wellknown New York celebrities, elected officials, and top-ranking transit officials;
the opening of “Grand By Design,” a spectacular multimedia exhibit about the Terminal
developed by the New York Transit Museum;
live music and performances in the Main Concourse;
decorations that highlight the building’s beaux-art architecture;
free gifts for visitors throughout the day; and much more.
“I am thrilled to be part of this celebration and to ensure an entertaining, diverse and fun
experience for anyone who comes through Grand Central Terminal that day,” Ms. Norman said.
“Grand Central is the heart and soul of New York City. The activities on February 1 will not only
fill the hearts of New Yorkers, but also stir their souls in such a way that inspires them to see the
place with fresh eyes and a greater appreciation.”
Officials also announced the start of a Centennial-focused social media initiative (#GCT100)
that includes news about the upcoming activities, fun and interesting facts about Grand Central
Terminal’s history, announcements of retail specials and events throughout the Terminal, and
personal messages about Grand Central memories from well-known New Yorkers. Updates are
available on the Grand Central Facebook page and Twitter feed (@GrandCentralNYC), as well
as on the New York Transit Museum Facebook page and Twitter feed (@NYTransitMuseum).
Other 100-Day activities include the Grand Central Centennial Holiday Fair in Vanderbilt Hall
(Nov. 12-Dec. 24, 2012), the Centennial Holiday Train Show at the New York Transit Museum
Gallery Annex (Nov. 16, 2012-Feb. 10, 2013), and other activities to be announced.
Information about the Centennial can be found online at www.grandcentralterminal.com or
www.mta.info/gct.
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MEDIA CONTACT
For more information about the Grand Central Terminal Centennial activities, including images,
interviews and more, contact GCT@goodmanmedia.com or 212-576-2700.