Entertainment
She Wrote the Book on Preservation in New York
Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel has made it her life’s work to make sure that the city’s landmarks, and the contributions of its residents, are never forgotten.
It was a landmark event.
At one point, Igor Stravinsky, a tan Havanese, stretched out in front of a Steinway beating his tail like a metronome as a Juilliard pianist, Zhu Wang, played pieces by Mozart, Chopin and Schubert, ending with the perfect coda — “New York, New York.”And, a toast to Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel.
“To the Queen of New York!”said the celebrants.
On Dec. 12, Ms. Diamonstein-Spielvogel kicked off the 60th anniversary of the 1965 New York City Landmarks Law, a little early but just in time for the holidays, at a book party for “Beyond Architecture: The New New York” at the home of her longtime friend Judith Pisar on the Upper East Side.
At 92, her dedication to the culture, the arts, architecture and preservation of New York City is unwavering.
Ever notice terra cotta medallions for notable New Yorkers on buildings around the city? One for Antonin Dvorak, who wrote part of the “New World” Symphony at 327 East 17th Street? Another for Jack Kerouac at 133-01 Cross Bay Boulevard in Queens? How about the one for Jimi Hendrix at his 52 West Eighth Street recording studio?
