The American-Scottish Foundation® - Events

The 25th Burns Night Gala Celebration

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Any Inquires regarding reservations please call 212-729-0127.


To See Images from Last Year's Burns Night Click Here.

To Purchase images from the 2019 event please click here.

The American-Scottish Foundation® invites members and friends to join for the 25th Annual Burns Night celebration, held in association with the University Club, New York, on Friday, January 17, 2020.

The Burns Supper celebrates, in words and music, the immortal memory of Robert Burns and Scotland’s heritage. The first recorded Burns celebration was held in 1801, when a group of his good friends gathered – and so was born the legendary “Burns Supper.”

Join us as we honor and celebrate Scotland’s national bard in words and music. Reserve your tickets for a wonderful evening in true Scottish style and tradition! The evening will begin with a Reception and Whisky Tasting by our wonderful Whisky Sponsor Glendronach Single Malt Scotch Distillery. 

A special presentation celebrating the beginning of the U.S. Tour of the Gregg Violin.

A violin owned by Robert Burns’ dance teacher, William Gregg and considered one of the most fascinating objects in shaping Scotland’s history will be present at our Burn's event. David Hope, Curator of the Robert Burns Museum will offer remarks and there will be a short musical interlude as the historic violin is played by Alastair McCulloch. A special thank you is extended to the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA and the Scottish government for making it possible for this rare event to be made part of our Burns Night Celebration.





Guests will then be piped into dinner where a traditional Burns Night Supper will follow. Our Master of Ceremonies is Kenneth Donnelly, President, Burns Society of new York and Chairman, American Scottish Foundation will introduce us to the world of Scotland’s most famous son. 

One of the evening’s features is “Piping in The Haggis.” With full fanfare, the piper announces the arrival of the Haggis, leading a procession comprising the chef, the orator and the whisky bearers to present the Haggis. After circling the room in order that all assembled guests may see the magni icent Haggis, it then is placed in position ready to be “addressed.” 

Our orator is Robbi Munro, who will present a resounding and animated recital of Burns’ “Address To A Haggis.”

At the appropriate time, during the line “An cut you up wi ready slight,” with a lourish Ken will take his dirk and pierce the Haggis, concluding with “Gie her a Haggis!” Expect an evening full of music and featured entertainment. You’ll enjoy the Silent Auction with many exciting contributions, and there will be Reels and Dancing! 

Robert Burns is regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is acknowledged by recent public vote to be “The Most Important Scot” by the people of Scotland. Burns was born on January 25, 1759 and died on July 21, 1796 at the age of 37. 


The Presentation and Address to the Haggis, and Burns Night guests

The award winning team of Claire McKenzie & Scott Gilmour of Noisemaker will offer musical interludes.

A Winter Raffle will be drawn with many exciting prizes! Download our invitation package to purchase tickets, or buy on the night!

We welcome donations of goods or services for our Silent Auction on the night! Please download a submission form here!

Review pictures of the past years' events: Burns Night 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012!



Kenneth Donnelly,
President of the Burns Society of New York and ASF Chairman,
will introduce us to the world of Scotland's most famous son, Robert Burns.

With full fanfare, the piper will herald the Haggis, leading a procession comprising the chef, the orator and the whisky bearers to present the Haggis. After circling the room in order that all assembled guests may see the magnificent Haggis, it then is placed in position ready to be "addressed".

Robbie Munro,
Our orator, will present a resounding and animated recital of Burns' "Address To A Haggis". At the appropriate time, during the line "An cut you up wi ready slight", with a flourish taking his dirk and piercing the Haggis, concluding with "Gie her a Haggis!".



FOOTNOTES

Noisemaker is the award-winning writing partnership of bookwriter/lyricist Scott Gilmour and composer Claire McKenzie. Both graduates of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the pair work throughout the UK and internationally creating innovative, original work to challenge the expectations of musical theatre.

As individuals, Scott and Claire have worked with a wide variety of companies including The National Theatre of Scotland, The Royal Lyceum, The Other Palace, New York Musical Festival, Northwestern University, The Sheffield Crucible, Dundee Rep, Citizens Theatre, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Channel 4 Films and The BBC.

As Noisemaker, their work has taken them across the globe and most recently the pair was awarded Unique Business of the Year 2018 at the Scottish SME Business Awards.

Both are delighted to be collaborating with Goodspeed Musicals and Dundee Rep on their newest work; HI, MY NAME IS BEN.

Noisemaker credits include:

  • MY LEFT/RIGHT FOOT (National Theatre of Scotland/Birds of Paradise)
  • SONGS FROM THE SEVEN HILLS (Sheffield Crucible)
  • CEILIDH (Noise Opera/Glasgow 2018 European Championships)
  • ATLANTIC (Assembly/ AMTP Northwestern University, Chicago/Royal Conservatoire of Scotland - Herald Angel Award Winner 2017)
  • LITTLE RED AND THE WOLF (Dundee Rep Theatre - Nominated for Best Production for Children and Young People UK Theatre Awards and Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2016)
  • THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE (Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh)
  • FOREST BOY (NYMF, New York/The Other Palace, London/ Edinburgh Fringe Assembly - Winner of S&S Award for Best Musical in Development, The NYMF 2016 Publishing Award)
  • THE GIRL WHO (Merry Go-Round Playhouse/Edinburgh Fringe Assembly)
  • FREAKSHOW (The Roundhouse/ The Arches - Winner of the Scottish Daily Mail Drama Award 2012)