Local Emmy-Winning, Grammy-Nominated Musician To Be Honored At Annual Palace Theatre Gala In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — The Palace Theatre announced Wednesday that Greenwich resident Rob Mathes, an Emmy Award–winning and Tony and Grammy-nominated musician, will receive the 2026 Arts Ovation Award at the organization’s 14th annual gala on Thursday, April 16. The event will precede a special performance by Smokey Robinson.

"The Arts Ovation Award honors individuals who demonstrate that the arts are not only about performance, but about service, connection, and community," said Michael E. Moran Jr., president and CEO of Stamford Center for the Arts’ Palace Theatre, in a news release.

"While widely respected for his extraordinary artistic achievements, Rob Mathes has tirelessly used music as a force for community good, supporting neighbors in need, and reminding us that creativity has the power to unite and uplift. His leadership and generosity exemplify the very best of what the arts can mean to a community, and we are proud to celebrate him."

For more than 25 years, the annual Rob Mathes Holiday Concert has raised awareness and support for Food Rescue US – Fairfield County.

Mathes, who was raised in Greenwich by Yale-trained classical musicians who taught in the town’s school system, has cited arts education as a key influence on his career as both an artist and community advocate.

"I have lived my life trying to be the very best musician I could be and to make some kind of impact somewhere, with no expectations. Nothing is achieved outside of community. Building community is everything," Mathes said in a news release. "My holiday concert is as much about the people that come and support the cause as it is about the music. It is really a community. To be recognized by the arts community in this area, the movers and shakers, is a gift. I am honored."

Mathes has collaborated with artists across multiple genres, including producing records for Sting, Carly Simon and Rod Stewart, and orchestrating and musically directing for Bruce Springsteen and Elton John. His work has also included collaborations with classical performers such as Luciano Pavarotti and Yo-Yo Ma.

The gala highlights the nonprofit’s efforts to support live performance, preserve the historic theater designed by Thomas Lamb, and provide arts access and education to more than 1,500 students annually through free programs and need-based scholarships.

The event will include a red carpet pre-show reception featuring food and cocktail stations, followed by the award presentation and performance.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/become/event/14thpalacegala/.