WINTER WONDERLAND
By Kim Devore/Entertainment Writer
It was a fairy tale scene fit for a czarina as the Los Angeles Philharmonic celebrated its final benefit concert in grand style at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
The Russian-themed extravaganza kicked off with a lively cocktail reception in the Founder’s Room where the elegant crowd fought off the winter chill with cosmopolitans and caviar.
Malibu’s Liane Weintraub looked every bit the Imperial princess dressed in a stunning black lace gown. Nancy Daly also got into the spirit, opting for a rich silk brocade jacket with fur trim collar. The queen of Carbon Beach seems to be breathing easier these days now that her palatial spread on the sand is nearing completion.
“Construction only took about 10 months. But getting to that point,” she said with a sigh, “that took a lot longer.”
Homebuilding hassles were soon forgotten as Daly and the other gala guests took their seats for a spectacular program featuring selections from Stravinsky as well as Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor featuring soloists Sarah Chang and Pinchas Zukerman.
The evening was a salute to the grand old place the philharmonic has called home for nearly four decades. Diahann Carroll, who appeared at the Dorothy Chandler’s inaugural, introduced a farewell video tribute narrated by former Music Director Zubin Mehta.
Following a rich rendition of Stravinsky’s ballet masterpiece, The Firebird, a standing ovation and final bows, the crowd made its way upstairs to the Grand Hall. The tables were aglitter in gold and topped with cascading red roses and fragrant wintergreens. Patina’s Joachim Splichal served up an Uzbek-style feast beginning with chilled smoked duck, grilled lamb with pomegranate reduction and sauted seasonal vegetables.
Eric Idle, chatting away about the wonders of Stravinsky, had barely taken his seat before being pressed into service as the evening’s celebrity auctioneer. The Monty Python trooper helped raise $650,000 to benefit education programs like Music Matters.
High-end must-haves included a private dinner party and orchestra performance, a Russian vacation for two and even a piece of steel from the philharmonic’s new abode across the street personally signed by architect Frank Gehry.
The master chef, meantime, added an Hermitage-worthy dessert to his magnificent menu-a creamy chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce served in chocolate Faberge eggs.
A few of the very brave then walked over for a spin on the dance floor to some decidedly un-Russian disco tunes.
For the orchestra, which moves into its new digs at Disney Hall this fall, the evening was bittersweet. One glorious era has come to an end to make way for a joy-phil new beginning.
HEART OF THE CITY
Gracious Jane Seymour and hubby James Keach will be hosting one of the most delectable evenings of the year. It’s the annual Black Truffle Dinner to benefit one of Jane’s favorite causes-City Hearts.
A who’s who of Malibu will be on hand on Feb. 1 to sample a sumptuous spread prepared by tastemakers Joaquim Splichal and Remi Lanvand. You can be sure that truffle lovers will be in hog heaven!