Holiday celebration raises more than $300,000 for the Symphony’s music education programs
Palm Beach Symphony supporters raised the roof and more than $300,000 to fund the Symphony’s world-class music, community outreach and music education programs during the Seventh Annual Holly Jolly Symphony Fête held in the festively decorated Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted guests as they arrived and were serenaded with sounds of the season by the In Truth Vocal Ensemble from The King’s Academy and the Student Chamber Ensemble from Lake Worth Community High School. Once inside, they were awed by a site rivaling Santa’s workshop as they browsed the wonderous and unique silent auction items that had once again been expertly curated by Auction Chair Marietta Muiña McNulty.
Honorary Chairs Karen and Kenneth Rogers, Chairs Sheryne and Richard Brekus and Vice Chairs Carol and Thomas Bruce unwrapped an afternoon of glorious music, champagne and cocktails and fine food with the support of a dedicated host committee, the Ladies Guild and the Music Men.
“Sheryne and I want to thank everyone here for your generosity in supporting the Symphony’s music education efforts,” Richard Brekus told the attendees. “When you see how excited the students are as they receive new instruments, participate in learning opportunities with many of the orchestra’s most accomplished musicians and attend our Masterwork’s symphonies, you really appreciate how much Palm Beach Symphony continues to do, with support from each of you, to enrich the lives of these students.”
Palm Beach Symphony CEO David McClymont and CBS 12 News Anchor Liz Quirantes emceed the event and the attendees enjoyed a sing-along of holiday carols accompanied by the Symphony’s Brass Quintet.
A highlight of the afternoon was the Symphony’s donation of 76 gleaming instruments and accessories to the school music programs at Clewiston Middle School, Lake Worth Community High School and The Conservatory School at North Palm Beach. They are among the 130 instruments and 641 accessories donated to students and school programs in Palm Beach County since the school year began. Lake Worth High School Director of Bands Dr. Tiffany Cox was honored as Palm Beach Symphony’s 2023 Instrumental Music Teacher of the Year and received a “Basket of Indulgences” and educational opportunities for her students that include coaching sessions by Palm Beach Symphony musicians and a classroom visit by Maestro Gerard Schwarz.
Attendees vied to add additional support to the Symphony’s educational outreach in a frenzied Call to Heart moment to take home one of the limited-edition Bear-thoven Teddy Bears, created especially for the Palm Beach Symphony’s Holly Jolly Symphony Fête during its current 50th Anniversary Season.
The Holly Jolly Symphony Fête was made possible by presenting sponsor and lifetime benefactor Findlay Galleries, along with grand sponsors Palm Beach Design Masters and Private Cask Imports as well as additional generous underwriters, auction item donors and ticket buyers.
Attendees included: Christine Ansbacher, Carol Baxter, Mrs. James N. Bay, Arthur and Mara Benjamin, JoAnne Berkow, Kathy Lee and John Bickham, Cathie Black and Tom Harvey, Tom Boland, James R. Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui, Camille Branca, Sheryne and Rich Brekus, Nancy Brown, Carol and Thomas Bruce, Mary Bryant McCourt, Hon. Sarmite D. Bulte, P.C., Sophia and Emmanuel Burnichon, Al Camiñas Muiña, Armando Camiñas Muiña, Marianne Castle, Vera Chapman, Amy and John Collins, Dr. Alexandra Cook, Dr. Tiffany Cox, Thomas D’Agostino and Danielle Rollins, Todd and Julie Dahlstrom, Mary and Willard Demory, Michelle DuBois, George Elmore and Marti LaTour, Lorre Erlick, Raysa Fanjul, Andrew Filauro, Nathan Frank. Gerald Gibian and Marjorie Yashar, Sue Gibson, Paul and Sandra Goldner, Karmita Gusmano, Caroline Harless, Carol S. and Joseph Andrew Hays, John Herrick and Tyler Moynihan, Dr. Peter Heydon, Lisa Huertas, Susan Hurley Esson, Martin and Mary Jacobson, David and Robin Jaye, Judith A. Jokiel, Elaine Kay, Arsine and Taniel Koushakjian, Gary and Linda Lachman, Patricia Lambrecht and Daniel Hassett, Stephanie Lefes, Elizabeth Leonard, Kellie Long, Sura Malaga, Alex Mandaro, Cecy Martinez, John and Barbara McDonald, Joseph and Max McNamara, Marietta Muiña McNulty, Dr. Nelly Mellander, Florence Berney Metzger, David Moscow and Linda Klein, Suzanne Mott Dansby, Constance Murrin, Sally O’Connor, Sally Ohrstrom, Xiomara Ordoñez, Anka Palitz, Nancy and Ellis Jay Parker, Katherine Pinard, Lois Pope and Bill Porter, Marjorie B. Potter-Kolb, Juan Pretel, Mike Pumo, Diane Quinn, Liz Quirantes, Julie Reveley, Ruby Rinker, Dr. Marcia Robbins-Wilf, Karen Rogers, Mary Lynn Rogers, Philo Rosenfeld, Lawrence and Lana Rouff, Gina Sabean, David Sarama and Daniel Drennen, Anne Sauber, Gudrun Sawerthal, Michele Schimmel, Dee Schneider, Nancy Stone, Jessica and Trent Swift, Lynn Telling, Don and Mary Thompson, Bruce Trent, Carl Vasile, James Verrant, Vanessa Vinci Brown, Mary Lou Wagner, Gil Walsh, Kelly Wathen, Adam and Erika Wolek, Judith Zerfoss, and Al Zucaro.
(Photos credit: Capehart Photography)
James R. Borynack, Adolfo Zaralegui
David McClymont, Carl Vasile
Lee Alderton, Christine Ansbacher
Paul and Sandra Goldner
Karen Rogers, Rich and Sheryne Brekus
Armando Camiñas Muiña, Marietta Muiña McNulty, Alfonso Camiñas Muiña
Carol Baxter, Mary Lynn Rogers
Cathie Black, Thomas Harvey
Santa Claus, Lois Pope
Laurie Bay, Jeanne Olofson and Ellen Wayne
Joseph Andrew Hays, Tiffany Cox and Carol Hays
John and Amy Collins
Anne Comnas and Suzanne Mott Dansby
Danielle Rollins, Thomas D’Agostino
Arlette Gordon, Vera Chapman
Rhonda Small, Alfred Zucaro
Iris Cantor and Marianne Castle
Thomas and Carol Bruce
ABOUT PALM BEACH SYMPHONY
Palm Beach Symphony is South Florida’s premier orchestra known for its diverse repertoire and commitment to community. Founded in 1974, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization adheres to a mission of engaging, educating, and entertaining the greater community of the Palm Beaches through live performances of inspiring orchestral music under the direction of its Music Director Gerard Schwarz. The orchestra is celebrated for delivering spirited performances by first-rate musicians and distinguished guest artists. Recognized by The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County with a 2020 Muse Award for Outstanding Community Engagement, Palm Beach Symphony continues to expand its education and community outreach programs with children’s concerts, student coaching sessions and master classes, instrument donations and free public concerts. For more information, visit www.palmbeachsymphony.org.
