Waring president and gala co-chair Peggy Cravens with co-chair Dr. Charles Monell delivered an elegant evening of masterful music and memories to benefit the Waring International Piano Competition.
The black tie optional evening began with hosted cocktails and appetizers inside the ballroom. Waring vice president Al Jones served as emcee. The late Gloria Greer’s November 2014 narration of Saint-Säens’ Carnival of the Animals at the McCallum showed on the screens.
Major donors Donna MacMillan, JoAnn McGrath, Ogniana Masser, Joyce Stein and JoAnn Wellner were in attendance, as were Greer’s long-time friends Betty and Cash Baxter, Sherri Breyer, John Conboy and Marc Byrd. Honorary Chairs were Dr. Gerald Benston and Ruta Lee. Other major donors were Helene Galen and Harold Matzner.
Close friend Bill Marx played a medley of Greer’s favorite songs that included compositions by her father, the late Anatol Friedland, and Greer’s close friend, the late Frederick Loewe. Ruta Lee, a friend of Greer’s for 50 years, gave a moving tribute in word and song from the stage accompanied by Marx on piano.
Artistic director John Bayless introduced 2015 Waring Competition award winner David Du, 11 years old, who played Chopin and Beethoven after dinner on a Steinway concert grand piano.
Healthy Chocolates courtesy of Virginia’s son Paul Waring and Wanda Royse were the table favors. Dancing music was provided by Doc Poster and his orchestra, and the evening was produced by Richard DeSantis’ Event Management. All funds raised support the upcoming November 2016 performance at the McCallum Theatre and the 2017 Waring International Piano Competition. Media partner was Palm Springs Life.
Virginia Waring International Piano Competition
760-773-2575
www.vwipc.org
Photography by Lani Garfield