Photos: Shaina Taub Receives the Amplify Award at Maestra Gala

The evening, hosted by Betsy Wolfe and Hannah Cruz, celebrated female composers.

April 13, 2026 By Diep Tran

Georgia Stitt and Shaina Taub (Arden Dickson)

On April 6, Maestra Music held its annual gala, Amplify 2026, honoring women and gender-expansive composers and musicians. At the event, held at City Winery in New York City, Shaina Taub (Suffs) received the inaugural Amplify Award. Plus, audiences got an early listen to songs from The Lost Boys and Crazy Rich Asians. See photos from the evening below.

The event was hosted by Betsy Wolfe (Death Becomes Her) and Hannah Cruz (Chess), both adorned by Kendra Scott jewelry. Artistry, advocacy, and community were the themes of the evening.

Backed by the Maestra House Band, the evening opened with a performance from Aneesa Folds and Kaila Mullady of Freestyle Love Supreme, who created an impromptu musical number called "The Timeline" based on audience suggestions of ways to describe the women in their lives.

The evening also included performances from musicals written by women: Mackenzie Meadows sang “The Way She Sees Me” from LIGHTHOUSE, with music by Veronica Mansour and lyrics by abs wilson; The Rescues performing “If We Make It Through The Night” from their musical The Lost Boys; original SIX: The Musical cast member Abby Mueller singing “Heart of Stone” from SIX, with music and lyrics by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss; and Claire Kwon performing “Yes” from the forthcoming Crazy Rich Asians, with music by Helen Park and lyrics by Amanda Green.

Upon accepting the Amplify Award, two-time Tony winner Taub paid tribute to Maestra Music founder Georgia Stitt and the organization’s impact on the field. “In addition to helping talented artists gain access, experience, and connections, I think what sets Maestra apart as an organization is how they prioritize humanity,” said Taub. “Maestra is helping artists succeed—yes. But perhaps more importantly, they’re giving artists a community who truly care about each other.”

The evening ended with Tony winner Alex Newell performing “Keep Marching” from Taub’s Suffs, in an arrangement by Allen René Louis for Broadway Inspirational Voices. Maestra set a goal of raising $50,000 that evening, which was met. Playbill provided the programs for the evening.

Visit MaestraMusic.org.