Alec Baldwin strikes high note with the Philharmonic

(CBS/AP) NEW YORK - This may change the minds of some classical music buffs about the ubiquitous Capital One ads they see on TV.

Newlywed Alec Baldwin, who stars in one of the ad campaigns, has made a $1 million donation to the New York Philharmonic, which the orchestra says represents proceeds Baldwin received from the ad campaign.

Pictures: Alec Baldwin
Pictures: Alec Baldwin's wedding to Hilaria Thomas

Th e 54-year-old Baldwin made the donation Monday in honor of outgoing president and executive director Zarin Mehta. He said in a statement that Mehta made his dream of becoming part of the world of classical music come true.

Mehta, whose 12-year tenure ends after the 2011-2012 season, said Baldwin's "remarkably generous gift is just the latest in his steadfast and inspiring support'' of the Philharmonic. The India-born Mehta, 74, is the brother of conductor Zubin Mehta and son of the late Mehli Mehta, founder of the Bombay Symphony Orchestra.

Baldwin, the deep-voiced "30 Rock" actor and frequent "Saturday Night Live" guest host, is a Philharmonic board member and host of its radio show, "The New York Philharmonic This Week." A Long Island native, Baldwin has been an outspoken fan of the Philharmonic for years and plugged it in some of the Capital One commercials.

Baldwin married yoga instructor Hilaria Thomas in Manhattan on Saturday.