ASF Spring Gala 2026

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) hosted its annual Spring Gala on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. A special celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Scandinavia House, headquarters of the ASF, this year’s Gala paid tribute to two honorees: ASF Executive Trustee Barbro Osher, an international philanthropist and major supporter of Scandinavia House since its reception, and Edward P. Gallagher, ASF’s President since 1996.

Highlights included the presentation of the ASF Gold Medal to ASF Trustee Barbro Osher, one of the most generous, supportive Trustees since joining the board in 1995. Edward Gallagher, ASF President for 30 years, was honored on the eve of his retirement with the ASF Niels Poulsen Award for his dedicated service.

Other highlights included a special performance by Soprano Anna Thompson, the 2026 recipient of ASF’s Birgit Nilsson Award and the 2026 Grand Finalist winner of the Eric and Dominique Laffont Metropolitan Opera Competition.

All proceeds of ASF’s Spring Gala benefit the Foundation’s continuing initiatives to promote cultural and education exchange between the United States and the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway.
 
Download Gala Program