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Renowned Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes and Dr. Kristj谩n Ragnarsson were honored by the American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) at its annual Spring Gala Dinner on May 18, 2016 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

The Honorable Charles and Mrs. Monika Heimbold served as the Gala Chairs for the event. Gala Vice Chairs were Inger G. and William B. Ginsberg and Laureen and Ragnar Meyer-Knutsen. Corporate Vice Chairs were Niels Jacobsen, Chairman, 脰ssur hf., and J贸n Sigur冒sson, President & CEO, 脰ssur hf. Ambassadors and Consul Generals of the Nordic countries were in attendance as well as a number of prominent arts patrons and business leaders.

Commenting on the evening, Edward Gallagher, ASF President and CEO, said he 鈥渢akes great pleasure in saluting renowned pianist Leif Ove Andsnes who has been a true friend of the Foundation and performed several times at Scandinavia House, as well as honoring Dr. Kristj谩n Ragnarsson who led the Foundation most capably as Chairman of the Board for four years during the critical period when we opened Scandinavia House.鈥�

Alan Gilbert, New York Philharmonic Music Director, presented the ASF Cultural Award to Leif Ove Andsnes, a Norwegian pianist known throughout the world for his commanding technique and searching interpretations. A highlight of the evening was a spontaneous performance by Andsnes to express his appreciation.

The Foundation also presented its Distinguished Public Service Award to Dr. Ragnarsson. A native of Iceland, Dr. Ragnarsson is one of the nation鈥檚 leaders in rehabilitative medicine and many of his grateful patients were in attendance at the gala.

This elegant black-tie evening commenced with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and dancing to the Hank Lane Music. Highlights of the evening included a special performance by Mezzo-soprano Emily D鈥橝ngelo, the 2016 recipient of ASF鈥檚 Birgit Nilsson Award, as well as an impromptu performance by Leif Ove Andsnes.

Gala guests and supporters included Ambassador John Loeb, Sophie and Peter Herzig, Ambassador Michael Wood, Ambassador Edward Elson, Th贸runn Wathne, Carl Gustaf Ehrnrooth, Craig Dykers, Inger McCabe Elliott, and Helen Marx.