West Palm Beach, Florida (Dec. 6) — Philanthropists Drs. Marsha and Henry Laufer hosted Palm Beach Opera’s annual Season Opening Celebration at their Manalapan home on Friday, Nov. 30 to kick off the company’s upcoming 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 Apprentice Artist Program sponsors.
Evening participants included the company’s major supporters of its artistic and production efforts, educational and community engagement initiatives, annual gala, and its rigorous artist training programs.
“We are delighted to celebrate our opera family members whose extraordinary support and leadership allows us to present world-class opera, impact our community in a meaningful way, and train the next generation of opera stars.” said Managing 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 emerging artists in residence. Palm Beach Opera’s Benenson Young Artists and Apprentice Artists performed selections from the company’s upcoming productions and classical favorites of opera and Broadway. Guests were also treated to a gourmet, seated three-course dinner.
General Director Daniel Biaggi was in attendance, celebrating the evening’s hosts and attendees, and sharing insights into the company’s continued operating surplus and upcoming mainstage productions.
“We are thrilled to present our highly-anticipated 2018-2019 season,” said Biaggi. “Our season includes a classic, heartbreaking Italian opera; a unique opportunity to hear an international opera star at our gala; an exciting film-noir inspired production; and a colorful, comedic piece that is sure to entertain.”
Palm Beach Opera opens its season on Dec. 18 with a new concert, “A night of…Rising Stars & Classic Melodies,” followed by Verdi’s “La traviata” in January, Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” in February, the company’s 2019 Gala, An Evening with Matthew Polenzani, and Strauss II’s “Die Fledermaus” in March.
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 hosts Henry and Marsha Laufer, Jeffrey and Lee Ann Alderton, General Director Daniel Biaggi, Robert and Meg Biscup, David Brodsky, Bill and Solange Brown, John and Mary Castronuovo, John and Susan Connor, Delphine Daft, Randell and Rebecca Doane, Sanford and Isanne Fisher, Robert and Ann Fromer, David and Joan Genser, Paul and Sandra Goldner, Arlette Gordon, Charles Gradante and Sherry Kindred, James and Judy Harpel, Peter and Linda Hoffman, Joseph Horton and Michael McCafferty, Lyn Ianuzzi, Florence Kaufman, Jerry and Judy Kaufman, Ingrid Kosowsky, Jennifer Myerberg, Anka Palitz, Lois Pope and Brian Wells, Meyer and Lynn Joy Sapoff, John and Jane Shalam, Martin and Toni Sosnoff, Managing Director David Walker, and Dennis and Roseanne Williams.
For information on Palm Beach Opera’s Co-Producer Society, or to learn more about education or artistic training sponsorship opportunities, please contact Managing Director David Walker at 561-835-7558.
Palm Beach Opera is dedicated to producing live opera at an international standard of excellence and to enriching the life of the communities it serves with a diverse offering of educational programs. Founded in 1961, the fully professional Palm Beach Opera presents main stage performances at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach and is a proud member of OPERA America and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.