Palm Beach Opera Toasts to Major Supporters and Upcoming Mainstage Performances at Season Opening Celebration

Philanthropists Drs. Marsha and Henry Laufer hosted Palm Beach Opera’s annual Season Opening Celebration at their Manalapan home on Thursday, Dec. 12 to kick off the company’s mainstage season, and to celebrate Palm Beach Opera’s Co-Producer Society, Goldner Center for Children’s Opera Education supporters, Gala Council, and Benenson Young Artist and Bailey Apprentice Artist Program sponsors.

Guests included the company’s major supporters of its annual gala, rigorous artist training programs, artistic and production efforts, and education and community engagement programs.

“We are honored to celebrate our supporters and their remarkable leadership, which allows us to continue presenting world-class opera, impacting the lives of so many through our education and community engagement programs, and training the next generation of opera stars. We are extremely appreciative to have a very strong and continually growing opera family,” said General Director David Walker.

At the annual Season Opening Celebration, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and passed hors d’oeuvres, as well as an intimate recital by Palm Beach Opera’s artists in residence. Palm Beach Opera’s Benenson Young Artists and Bailey Apprentice Artists performed selections from the company’s upcoming productions and classical favorites. Guests were also treated to a gourmet, seated three-course dinner.

General Director David Walker was in attendance, celebrating the evening’s hosts and attendees, sharing company insights, highlighting upcoming mainstage productions, and providing information about resident artist training programs.

“After a successful production in Delray Beach of ‘Hansel and Gretel,’ which featured our resident artists in the principal roles, we are thrilled to present our remaining performances at the Kravis Center,” said Walker. “Our mainstage operas include an epic and fantastical drama, a comedic masterpiece, and a moving story of love and regret, all complete with vibrant costumes and elaborate sets. Coupled with our education programs on track to reach over 20,000 individuals this season, and our highly-anticipated 2020 gala at the Breakers, featuring opera star Christian Van Horn, we have much to look forward to.”

The exclusive evening concluded with dessert, and a gracious closing by Drs. Marsha and Henry Laufer, encouraging all in attendance to sing along in the evening’s final ensemble number, “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,” from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “State Fair.”

Palm Beach Opera’s Season Opening Celebration was attended by General Director David Walker, Sanford Baklor and Arlene Kaufman, Robert and Meg Biscup, Douglas and Delfine Daft, Sanford and Isanne Fisher, Annette Friedland, David and Joan Genser, Paul and Sandra Goldner, Mickey and Allan Greenblatt, Peter Hoffman, Jerry and Judy Kaufman, Ingrid Kosowsky, Henry and Marsha Laufer, Michael McCafferty and Joseph Horton, Peter and Elaine McCombs, Charles and Jeri Muoio, Ellis Jay and Nancy Parker, John and Lynn Pohanka, Lois Pope and Brian Wells, John and Donna Raggio, Marc Solomon and Cindy Levine, Martin and Toni Sosnoff, and Dennis and Roseanne Williams among others.

For information on Palm Beach Opera’s Co-Producer Society, or to learn more about education or artistic training sponsorship opportunities, please contact the box office at 561-888-7333.

The remaining performances of the company’s 19-20 season include Puccini’s “Turandot,” Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” and Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” at West Palm Beach’s Kravis Center. For more information, visit pbopera.org or call the box office at 561-833-7888.