A Rugged Elegance Inspiration Network Exclusive by Jennifer King

San Francisco Girls Chorus

Even before San Francisco Girls Chorus' 25th Anniversary Celebration began on Friday night, the SFGC Board, Directors, Staff and three hundred dedicated young vocalists were already celebrating; and rightfully so. Fifty-percent of the organization's efforts to raise $10 million have been achieved. With another $5 million, the three-time Grammy award-winning organization led by Artistic Director, Dr. Susan McMane, Executive Director, Rachel J. Malan and Chorus School Director, Elizabeth Avakian will be able to move into their own permanent home in the city.

Friday evening's celebration called Curtain Call started with the "Overture" in the historic Garden Court at The Palace Hotel. Guests were greeted by President, Peter Drake, fellow Board members, including Charles Ferguson and April Bucksbaum, Public Relations Associate & '96 Alum, Maggie Lukens, and one of the major sponsors of the evening, Katrine Mc Clanahan of HSBC Private Bank among others. Mumm Napa hosted the champagne reception with their 25th Anniversary Cuvee.

Mayor Gavin Newsom took to the stage the moment everyone was seated in the main dining hall. Before he reached center stage, half of the five hundred in attendance were on their feet giving Mayor Newsom a standing ovation and cheers of applause. All 500 hundred resonated with him when he talked about the "eve"olution taking place in the city. In addition to two women being appointed to high-ranking positions of power, Newsom referred to the Girls Chorus as further evidence of achievement by women in San Francisco.

Peter Drake

Peter Drake, SFGC President, and one of the Principal Hosts of the evening, graciously welcomed everyone to the 25th Anniversary Spring Gala. Sponsors, Vermeer, HSBC Private Bank, Mumm Cuvee Napa, Wells Fargo Bank, and San Francisco asset managers, Dodge & Cox, among other community leaders, were given recognition for their contribution of time and money.

SFGC Artistic Director, Susan McMane with Maurice Kanbar

Thanks to the efforts of Executive Director, Rachel J. Malan, Gala Committee Co-Chairs, Kay Bishop and Nan Warren, and James M. Kennedy, a collective $1 million donation from the Chorus' Board of Directors, and the exceedingly generous $4 million donation from Maurice Kanbar of Skyy Vodka and Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur success, the SFGC, which has moved six times in twenty-four years, may need not move anymore.

The girls were moving in rare form on Friday night, thanks in part to Choreographers, KT Nelson and Khamla Somphanh.

"Act One" began with the girls singing Irving Berlin's There's No Business Like Show Business followed by two selections from West Side Story.

"Act Two" included George Gerschwin's Summertime and Victor Herbert's Art is Calling for Me.

To honor the San Francisco Opera, their contribution to the success of the Girls Chorus and the two organizations years of collaboration, Nancy Montgomery introduced the Opera's General Director, Pamela Rosenberg.

Julia Hunt-Nielsen

Two SFGC alumnae soloists, Julia Hunt-Nielsen and Natasha Hoehn were part of the "Grand Finale." Mezzo-Soprano, Hoehn, who is also Director of Alumnae & Events Manager and deserves much credit for the success of Friday night's Gala, presented Vilia's Waltz, from The Merry Widow. Soprano, Julia Hunt Nielsen sang I'm a Stranger Her Myself, from One Touch of Venus before the Chorissima joined here in the performance of an Italian Street Song from Naughty Marietta.

The Chorissima ended the evening with O Pastorelle, Addio, from Andrea Chenier and the Opening Chorus from The Bartered Bride.

Carolyn Drake, an alum of the Chorus, who left last year just as her father was entering into his first year as President, spoke about the dedication required by the girls. The fifteen year-old high school freshman said, "We practice three times during the week and then again on Saturday." While Carolyn misses the opportunity to perform she still takes vocal and piano lessons once a week.

Geoff Callan

One of the highlights of the evening was a SFGC 25th Anniversary video produced by Geoff Callan. In addition to putting into words and pictures the dedication of the girls and staff, Callan was successful in interviewing San Francisco Symphony Director, Michael Tilson Thomas, philanthropist composer & music lover, Gordon Getty and brother-in-law, Mayor Gavin Newsom. All three expressed their support of and passion for the Girls Chorus. Clearly, this video will serve as an extraordinary tool in helping the San Francisco Girls Chorus raise the additional $5 million they need in order to move into their permanent residence.

For those who missed Friday evening's Gala, on May 6th at 7:30pm, the San Francisco Girls Chorus will perform at Davies Symphony Hall, as part of the continuing 25th Anniversary celebration.

To purchase tickets, please call 415.863.1752.

To learn more about the San Francisco Girls Chorus, go to: SFGirlsChorus.com

Congratulations and thank you to all those who contributed to one of our favorite nights of the year in San Francisco! Bravo!!

Inspire & Be Inspired (tm)

~Jennifer Carolyn King & Timothy Charles Fredel

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