On Tuesday, April 5, we held our Spring Gala to benefit the Young Artists Program. The event, entitled “Four Divas. One Spotlight.,” was held at The Metropolitan Club and featured performances by 2011 Festival artists Alexandra Deshorties, Patricia Schuman, Deborah Voigt and J’nai Bridges. Surprise guests Nathan and Julie Gunn, Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori and Young Artist Lindsay Russell also performed.

The evening began at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails in The Metropolitan Club’s grand lobby. A performance including several 2011 season favorites began at 7:30 p.m., with the Gunns performing prior to their evening engagement at Cafe Carlyle. Sopranos Patricia Schuman and Lindsay Russell, composer Jeanine Tesori and librettist Tony Kushner offered a taste of the one-act opera A Blizzard On Marblehead Neck, which will receive its world premiere at Glimmerglass this summer. Alexandra Deshorties performed “Dei tuoi figli la madre tu vedi” from Cherubini’s Medea, followed by J’nai Bridges who presented an aria from Carmen. Deborah Voigt switched directions from current rehearsals as Brünnhilde at the Met and culminated the evening’s program with the lovely “They Say It’s Wonderful” from Annie Get Your Gun, in which she will have her role debut as Annie Oakley this summer at Glimmerglass. Voigt will also serve as the Glimmerglass’s inaugural Artist in Residence and work with the 2011 Young Artists throughout their residency with the company.

The event was chaired by Nancy Barton, Carole Johnson, Elizabeth Eveillard, Patricia Kavanaugh, Felicia Blum and Hedy Hage, with Pauline Eveillard and Sage Mehta as Junior Committee Co-Chairs. After dinner and a small auction, dessert and dancing to the Peter Duchin Orchestra was held in the grand lobby.

Board Chair Betty Eveillard, Julie and Nathan Gunn, Artistic & General Director Francesca Zambello
Board Chair Betty Eveillard, Julie and Nathan Gunn, Artistic & General Director Francesca Zambello

 

The evening began with cocktails in the grand lobby.
The evening began with cocktails in the grand lobby.

 

Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori were in attendance and performed.
Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori were in attendance and performed.

 

Mark Pedot, Nancy Pedot with Judy and Allen Freedman
Mark Pedot, Nancy Pedot with Judy and Allen Freedman

 

Young Artists Lindsay Russell (left) and J'nai Bridges with Sakura Myers (center).
Young Artists Lindsay Russell (left) and J'nai Bridges with Sakura Myers (center).

 

John Musto and Peter Duchin
John Musto and Peter Duchin

 

L to R: Gala Co-Chairs Nancy Barton and Carole Johnson with centerpiece designer Jean Doyen de Montaillou.
L to R: Gala Co-Chairs Nancy Barton and Carole Johnson with centerpiece designer Jean Doyen de Montaillou.

Photos by Ken Levinson.

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