“LA FÊTE DU SIÈCLE”! THE PARTY OF THE CENTURY sweeps GUESTS
off TO A CULTURAL TURN-OF-THE-CENTURY PARISIAN PARADISE
FOR PACIFIC SYMPHONY’S 2012 GALA EXTRAVAGANZA ON MAY 19
Orange County, Calif.—Ooh-la-la, it’s “La Fête du siècle” (“the party of the century”) when Pacific Symphony’s 2012 gala whisks guests back in time to La Belle Époque, a joyous time in cultural history—turn-of-the-century France. The sensuous and gregarious excitement of the Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergère abounds, as the evening of music, dancing and French-influenced cuisine takes place Saturday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Irvine at Jamboree Center. Inspired by the Symphony’s first concert opera, Puccini’s “La Bohème,” taking place in April, the Board of Directors invites patrons to revel in the joie de vivre, as they stroll through a snow-covered Parisian marketplace to find famous Bohemian artists Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec ready to paint their portraits, a Cirque d’Hiver (“Winter Circus”), can-can dancers, a champagne fountain and more 1890s surprises during the colorful cocktail reception.
Guests are then ushered into the grand ballroom for a gourmet feast and cabaret show performed by dancers from UC Irvine’s Department of Dance. Also, special guest soprano Valentina Fleer sings Musetta’s Waltz from “La Bohème,” accompanied by pianist David Clemenson. The evening culminates with a thrilling live auction, and guests dance the night away to the tunes of the J.T. (John Tu from Kingston Technology) and California Dreamin’ band. Valet service is hosted and attire is black tie or 1890s Parisian evening attire. Tables for the gala are $15,000-$100,000; individual tickets are $1,000.
Always a spectacular and unique experience, the annual gala is the Symphony’s largest fund-raiser of the year and raised about $1 million last year in support of the Symphony’s award-winning artistic and education programs. Chairing the gala for the first time is a trio of Symphony supporters: Vivian McCluney, Hope Miller and Pat Poss, who have helped fabricate this turn-of-the-century fantasy.
“For me, Pacific Symphony’s annual gala has always been the highlight of the Orange County calendar,” says co-chair Miller. “But most importantly, it is the cornerstone for fund raising for the many, life-enriching music programs of the Symphony. This year, we are creating a feeling of conviviality, romance and pleasure, as we transport guests back to late 19th– century Paris through French ambience, entertainment, food and dance. What could be better!?”
C’est magnifique! Guests arrive in “the city of lights” in mid-winter and are greeted with a can-can line as they walk through the glistening streets of Paris, looking out for eccentric Bohemians and circus acts and finding the famous and luxurious Maxim’s restaurant. After enjoying the delicacies of a Boulangerie, a French patisserie, a crepe station, fresh roasted chestnuts and a champagne fountain, guests are ushered into the grand ballroom—now transformed into a French cabaret—for a sumptuous dinner planned by the Hyatt’s Executive Chef Greg Grohowski. Returning for the second year, J.T. and California Dreamin’ provide entertainment throughout the evening with a full string section, brass, woodwinds, keyboard, percussion and myriad singers, filling the ballroom with dance music from the 1960s to the present (all underwritten for the Symphony’s gala).
“Dinner will be a gastronomic delight of classic French cuisine, served in a sumptuous turn-of-the-century ballroom, with entertainment provided by dancers from the Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergère,” says co-chair McCluney. “The evening has all the spectacle and excitement of a 19th-century winter circus!”
After dinner, the thrilling live auction gets underway! An annual favorite, the gala auction is always brimming with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, travel packages and exclusive items, including a business-class flight for two to Scotland to meet up with another couple for a four-night stay in executive suites at Pittormie Castle, the sumptuous private estate home of The Eden Club in St. Andrews. Another winner has the opportunity to embark on a seven-day trip to Beijing to see Music Director Carl St.Clair conduct. Other items include an exclusive luncheon with piano superstar André Watts and the chance to conduct or play with the orchestra, plus so much more! Also, throughout the evening, David Yurman is giving away 100 jewelry boxes for $100 each with a grand prize worth $10,000. The memorable evening ends on a musical note when the J.T. and California Dreamin’ band returns and sends guests out dancing. A “trés bonne nuit” had by all!
“What better way than for all of us to join together at this annual gala to thank the Symphony for all the wonderful performances we have enjoyed all year,” says co-chair Poss. “This gala will do just that. I am honored to have been asked to co-chair this electrifying and eventful evening.”
Jayce Keane M. Zuckerman Marketing
Director of Public Relations & Public Relations, Inc.
jkeane@pacificsymphony.org madeline@zuckerman- marketing.net
