The celebration of Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday, according to press notes, includes "his most enduring orchestral music and songs — performed, in some cases, by the stars of the original Broadway cast productions — in addition to rarely-heard material." The concerts boast the talents of Laura Benanti, Matt Cavenaugh, Michael Cerveris, Victoria Clark, Jenn Colella, Jason Danieley, Alexander Gemignani, Joanna Gleason, Nathan Gunn, George Hearn, Patti LuPone, Marin Mazzie, Audra McDonald, John McMartin, Donna Murphy, Laura Osnes, Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, Bobby Steggert, Jim Walton, Chip Zien, and American Ballet Theatre dancers Blaine Hoven and Maria Riccetto.

Lonny Price directs with choreography by Josh Rhodes; Paul Gemignani conducts the New York Philharmonic.

Expect songs and orchestral pieces from Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George, Passion, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Anyone Can Whistle, along with a suite from music Sondheim wrote for the film "Reds."

The concert will subsequently be broadcast on PBS' "Great Performances" in 2011.

For information about the Gala, which includes a pre-concert reception, concert and post-concert birthday dinner with the artists, contact Courtney Ford at (212) 875-5760 or e-mail her at [email protected].

Single tickets are $75 to $250 and may be purchased online at nyphil.org or by calling (212) 875-5656.