Gala Entertainment at The Metropolitan Club NYC: A Case Study of The White Cross Ball
See how ARTLEX Entertainment curated the sound for the 10th Anniversary White Cross Ball at The Metropolitan Club NYC. Expert tips for luxury gala music inside.
Setting the Stage: Music at The Metropolitan Club
When hosting an event at The Metropolitan Club, one of New York’s most iconic Gilded Age landmarks, the entertainment must do more than fill the room—it must honor the architecture. For the 10th Anniversary White Cross Ball, ARTLEX Entertainment was tasked with creating a musical atmosphere that matched the prestige of the Order of Malta’s global humanitarian mission.
The Challenge: Navigating Historic Acoustics
The Metropolitan Club is famous for its soaring, gilded ceilings and marble foyers. While visually stunning, these features create significant reverb.
The Artlex Solution: For the cocktail hour in the Presidents’ Foyer, we utilized a bespoke string ensemble setup. By carefully placing our musicians beneath the vaulted stained-glass ceilings, we ensured the music felt intimate and warm, rather than echoing, allowing guests like His Highness Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe to converse comfortably.
Curating the Repertoire: From Sacred to Sophisticated
As a "Full Scale Music Agency," ARTLEX doesn't just play a setlist; we design a narrative. For this black-tie evening, the music moved through three distinct phases:
The Arrival: Classical masterpieces to welcome international dignitaries and patrons.
The Dinner: Contemporary "Bridgerton-style" string covers of modern pop, providing a sophisticated backdrop to the evening’s program and auction.
The Celebration: High-energy transitions that prepared the room for a night of dancing and philanthropy.
"Artlex Entertainment transformed the evening into an unforgettable tapestry of elegance. Their ability to read the room is what sets them apart in the NYC luxury circuit." — White Cross Ball Committee Member
Why Event Planners Choose ARTLEX for High-Stakes Galas
Performing at venues like the Metropolitan Club requires more than just talent—it requires production expertise.
Logistics: We manage all load-in schedules and venue-specific insurance requirements (COIs).
Customization: We arranged specific pieces requested by the St. John Committee to reflect the Order of Malta’s heritage.
Versatility: From soloists to full-scale orchestras, we scale our ensembles to fit the unique floor plans of the Club’s various ballrooms.
Plan Your Next Event at The Metropolitan Club
Are you planning a gala, wedding, or corporate dinner at The Metropolitan Club NYC? Don't leave your atmosphere to chance. Let ARTLEX Entertainment design a custom musical experience that your guests will talk about for years.
