BLACK AND WHITE NIGHT
The Los Angeles Master Chorale has been around since the 1960s, but for inspiration for its annual gala, the music makers looked back to the roaring 1920s.
It was a blast to the past evoking the elegant L.A. of old as the Chorale held its spectacular Black and White Ball. The chic confines of the California club were transformed into a hopping art deco hotspot.
The place was all-aglitter with shimmering silver martini glass motifs and bold deco designs projected above. Revelers dressed accordingly, sporting fedoras and flapper dresses, top hats and vintage jewels.
A lively jazz band played standards like “Three Little Words” while servers made the rounds with black caviar and cold cocktails and honorees Marguerite and Robert Marsh caught up with old pals. Guests gathered by the roaring fire where there was plenty of silent auction action. Marvelous must-haves included a jet set getaway to Molokai and a private musical salon at the historic Apodaca hacienda. While there were loads of top-of-the-line treats, the most unique item of the evening was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to step into the limelight and conduct the Hallelujah Chorus at Disney Hall.
As guests took their seats for the gala dinner, they marveled at the dramatic black and white décor and big band stage. The tables were done up with mirror and crystal and piled high with white orchids, roses, Star of Bethlehem and Arabicum lilies.
The Chorale performed its signature Grand Promenade and Surround-Sing. LAMC’s Music Director Grant Gershon led the vocalists in an all-star musical salute that included Cole Porter’s “Another Op’nin, Another Show” and Samuel Barber’s “Sure on this Shining Night.”
Even the food was in keeping with the festive theme with black and white seafood ravioli, slow-roasted tenderloin of beef with perigourdine truffle sauce, and a decadent black and white Valrhona cake with espresso chocolate sauce.
Gershon wrapped up the evening with a selection by Ricky Ian Gordon. “Our final song is called ‘Joy,'” Gershon said, “and it really sums up the emotion on a night like tonight.”
After dinner, gala guests hit the black and white checkered dance floor where they tripped the light fantastic grooving to big band and swing tunes courtesy of Mora’s Modern Rhythmists.
Guests voiced their support to the tune of more than a quarter million dollars. Proceeds will help fund the group’s artistic and outreach programs.