David Hyde Pierce Will Host the New York Philharmonic's Starry Sondheim: The Birthday Concert

Tony Award winner David Hyde Pierce will host the New York Philharmonic's presentation of Sondheim: The Birthday Concert. The event, which takes place on March 15 and 16, celebrates the 80th birthday of decorated composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim in a concert staged by Lonny Price. The show will be conducted and musically directed by longtime Sondheim collaborator Paul Gemignani.

In addition to host Pierce, Sondheim: The Birthday Concert will feature perfomances by a laundry list of seasoned Sondheim and Broadway veterans, including Laura Benanti, Matt Cavenaugh, Michael Cerveris, Victoria Clark, Jenn Colella, Jason Danieley, Joanna Gleason, Nathan Gunn, George Hearn, Patti LuPone, Marin Mazzie, Audra McDonald, John McMartin, Donna Murphy, Gillian Murphy, Laura Osnes, Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, Bobby Steggert, Elaine Stritch, Jim Walton, Chip Zien and American Ballet Theatre principal dancers Gillian Murphy and Ethan Stiefel.

Sondheim celebrates his 80th birthday on March 22. His numerous accolades include Tony Awards for Passion, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music, Follies, Company and Sunday in the Park with George, which also received the 1985 Pulitzer Prize.