Mayor Bloomberg presented the 2009 Mayor’s Awards for Arts and Culture to six individuals and organizations in celebration of their outstanding contributions to New York City’s cultural life.  The Mayor also presented the Handel Medallion, New York City’s highest award for achievement in the arts, to the legendary singer Jessye Norman.  The event, held at New York City’s acclaimed new arts school, was co-hosted by Bye Bye Birdie star John Stamos, and featured live performances by Dee Dee Bridgewater, the Big Apple Circus, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and other special guest artists. 

Awardees:

Big Apple Circus

Jaynemarie Capetanakis, Principal, P.S. 69

H.T. Chen, Choreographer

Doris Duke Charitable Foundation

Vernon Reid, Musician and Composer

Thalia Spanish Theatre

Jessye Norman, 2009 NYC Handel Medallion Recipient

(l to r) Mayor Bloomber, Chris Wearing, Chairman of the Board, Big Apple Circus and Grandma