Maecenas XXXV Gala
#Bravo: A vintage “Partridge Family” lunchbox made its way to the Benedum Center stage Saturday night on the arm of Pam Selker Rak. She brought it as a tribute to this year’s Renaissance Awardee, actress, singer and Smithton native Shirley Jones, who was honored during the Pittsburgh Opera’s Maecenas XXXV, The Black & White + Blush Ball. PNC, represented by Sally McCrady, was presented with the Maecenas Award. The event officially marked the close of the 80th season for the Opera.
Nearly 300 guests ended up onstage for the dinner and the presentation, as well as several performances by the opera’s resident artists. The elegant evening began with a VIP reception in the main and upper lobbies of the theater.
General Director Christopher Hahn welcomed everyone to the stage once the doors were opened, signaled by a trumpet. Resident artist Ashely Fabian sang Rachmaninoff’s “Vocalize” as men in black tie and women in long gowns came through the aisles to the stage. Event chair Dr. Lisa Cibik (with her husband, Bernie Kobosky Jr.) was instrumental in bringing Jones to Pittsburgh for the event.
“The Maecenas is the most wonderful and spectacular event in the city and has history and glamour all dedicated to generations of opera lovers and the future generations,” said Dr. Cibik. “I could not have done it without my New Guard cochairs, Celia Soehner and Alexandra Good, my daughter and birthday girl!” she noted. The New Guard is introducing the next generation to the joys of opera.
“I feel very honored and truly thrilled tonight to be here; it’s my hometown, you know,” said Jones, in between taking pictures with fans. “As a little girl growing up in Western Pennsylvania, I often traveled with my parents to see Pittsburgh Opera Society productions at Carnegie Music Hall,” she told guests after being presented with the award. “So many of those great performances inspired me to become a singer and pursue my own career ... I hope children who see Pittsburgh Opera performances are similarly inspired.”
All in Good Taste catered the dinner while the Elite Show Band provided music to fill the dance floor.
#Seen at the 35th Maecenas gala were: board chair Michele Fabrizi; board president Gene Welsh; Pittsburgh Cultural Trust President and CEO Kevin McMahon; Gabriela and David Porges; Pat and Michele Atkins; Vivian and Bill Benter; Nancy and John Traina; Dr. Roxana Barard; Melanie and Jim Crockard; Roseanne and Dr. Mark Wholey; Catherine and Mark Loevner; Dr. Loren and Ellen Roth; Diana Reid; Ann and James Dugan; Martin Lamar; and many others.
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