Palm Beach Opera presented renowned bass-baritone Christian Van Horn at its 2020 gala, the company’s largest fundraising event, at The Breakers Palm Beach on Feb. 10.
Praised by The New York Times for his “sturdy voice and commanding presence,” Christian Van Horn has performed at many of the great opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Paris Opera among others, and received the Richard Tucker Award in 2018.
The evening began in the Venetian Ballroom at 6 p.m. with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. Following the reception, guests moved in to the Mediterranean Ballroom and were welcomed by General Director David Walker, who thanked all in attendance and introduced the evening’s guest artists.
The exclusive concert featuring Christian Van Horn and pianist Craig Terry began at 7:15 p.m. The acclaimed artist performed opera arias from his most notable career performances, as well as famed musical theater pieces, and was joined on stage by Palm Beach Opera’s Benenson Young Artists and Bailey Apprentice Artists for special appearances.
After the concert, guests enjoyed a delectable three-course dinner back in the Venetian Ballroom. Gala Co-Charis thanked all supporters, attendees, and the company’s board and staff. Walker commended the evening’s artists and gave special recognition to the Gala Co-Chairs, the Gala Host Committee, and the Gala Council.
“The incredible commitment and leadership of our Gala Co-Chairs, Gala Host Committee and Gala Council have helped make Palm Beach Opera’s 2020 Gala an extraordinary success,” said Walker. “A testament to Palm Beach Opera’s community support, sustainability and growth, we surpassed our gala fundraising goal, raising the most funds for our annual gala in the company’s recent history. This is an accomplishment we are very proud of, as our pre-gala host committee support efforts allow us to provide an evening without any additional fundraising activities. Coupled with another esteemed artist confirmed for our 2021 Gala, Palm Beach Opera is poised for success, and its future continues to be bright. ”
The company’s 2021 Gala will feature international opera star Nadine Sierra at The Breakers Palm Beach on Feb. 8 next year. The Gala Chairs for the 2021 Gala will be Isanne and Sanford Fisher.
The evening concluded with dancing and live music provided by Euphoria.
Gala sponsors and underwriters in attendance included: Gala Co-Chairs Lee Ann Alderton, Rebecca Doane, Joan Genser, and Florence Kaufman; Grand Gala Sponsor Veronica Atkins; Gala Council members Lee and and Jeffrey Alderton, Veronica Atkins, Sanford Baklor and Arlene Kaufman, Meg and Robert Biscup, William and Solange Brown, Rebecca and Randell Doane, Isanne and Sanford Fisher, Joan and David Genser, Mickey and Allan Greenblatt, Florence Kaufman, Dorothy and Sidney Kohl, Marsha and Henry Laufer, Donna and John Raggio, Ari Rifkin, Toni and Martin Sosnoff, Roseanne and Dennis Williams, Wilmington Trust, David Fritz; Gala Host Committee members Christian Van Horn Underwriters Isanne and Sanford Fisher; Craig Terry Underwriters Toni and Martin Sosnoff; Platinum Supporters Rebecca and Randell Doane and Marsha and Henry Laufer; Décor Underwriters and Maor Sponsors Luncheon Hosts Sanford Baklor and Arlene Kaufman; Cocktail Reception Underwriters Sidney and Dorothy Kohl; Gold Sponsors Lee Ann and Jeffrey Alderton, Meg and Robery Biscup, William and Solange Brown, Joan and David Genser, Mickey and Allan Greenblatt, Florence Kaufman, Ari Rifkin, Roseanne and Dennis Williams; Silver Sponsors Frayda Lindemann, Nancy and Ellis Parker; Grand Wine Sponsors Lee Ann and Jeffrey Alderton; Evening Music and Entertainment Underwriters Barbara Greis and Howard Gottlieb; Invitation Underwriters Lynn Joy and Meyer Sapoff; Gold Aria Underwriters Carol and Sander Abend; Gala Keepsake Underwriters and Dessert Underwriters Donna and John Raggio, Silver Aria Underwriters Judith and Jerry Kaufman, and Paul and Roberta Kozloff; Bronze Sponsors Roberta and Stanley Bogen, Gerald and Sandra Fineberg, Miriam Flamm, Annette Friedland, Robin Ganzert, Merill and Charles Gottesman, Jupiter Medical Center, Ingrid Kosowsky, Monica and Scott Laurans, Rhea and Morton Mandell, Peter and Elaime McCombs, Nancy Oelbaum, John and Lynn Pohanka, Marc Solomon, Jennife rand James Takats, and Hermé de Wyman Miro; Valet Sponsor Donna Long; Couple’s Sponsors Cynthia and Theodore Berenson, Naoimi Brest and David Kaplan, David Brodsky, Nancy and Peter Brown, Mike Chefetz and Nancy Feldman, Louise Cohen, Susan and John Connor, Esta and Robert Epstein, A. Billie and Louis Feher, Ann and Robert Fromer, Barbara and Frank Tepperman, Arlette Gordon, Beth Grosshans and Dennis Stattman, Lauren and Gray Hampton, Carla and David Herwitz, Laqrence Jarema and Mark Walter, Olga and Eric Jorgensen, Anne and Robert Kraus, Nathan Leventhal and Katherine Brown, Michael McCafferty and Joseph Horton, David McNeel and Jack McCord, Wilma and Charles Mooney, Suzanne Niedland, Carol O’Malley and Nick Harry, Jane and John Shalam, Melissa Sullivan, and Marc Wise and Mariano Morales; Patron Sponsots Lisa Huertas, Marjorie Marks, Ankka Palitz, and Linda Taub; Gala Donation Anne Carmichael.