Dressing Down for Orchestra’s Gala

A band of gypsies set up camp at the home of Pat and Marvin Weiss on Saturday to bring good fortune to the Pacific Symphony Orchestra.

“When Gypsies Gather” was the theme of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra League’s first major gala, which attracted about 200 guests wearing rainbow-colored scarves and gold bangles. The $150-per-person dinner-dance raised about $70,000 for the symphony.

Gypsy Spirit

“I love the gypsy theme,” said Pat Weiss, who wore a flowing gypsy skirt. “It’s light, easy, fun and uninhibited.”

Strolling musicians and gypsy dancers entertained guests throughout the evening. On the back lawn overlooking the scenic hills of Orange, colorful tents were set up where guests could have their palms read by fortunetellers.

“It’s our league’s very first attempt at a major fund-raiser, and we wanted to do something different than the traditional black-tie,” said Janice Johnson, symphony board president. Johnson, who attended with her husband, Roger, looked every inch the gypsy in an off-the-shoulder purple blouse, a long black tiered skirt and a bold gold necklace.

Most party-goers adhered to the dress code on the invitations--”casual gypsy dress or rags.”

Host Marvin Weiss sported a green sash around his waist and a gold earring he’d pilfered from his wife’s closet.

“The white pants belong to me,” he said.

Louis Spisto, executive director of the symphony, wore an all-black gypsy costume with a red bandanna on his head and a sash around his waist.

“It’s a conglomerate of a Hollywood costume shop, gym clothes and anything else I could find,” Spisto said.

Hungarian Fare

Tables draped in white cloth and sprinkled with Tarot cards, gold coins and star confetti were set up in the garden. At the center of each table stood a fortuneteller’s crystal ball filled with iridescent cellophane and adorned with gold star garland.

Guests roamed from food station to food station, sampling a variety of Hungarian specialties. The exotic fare included classic goulash stew, sauteed spicy sausage with onions and sweet red pepper, broiled chicken kebabs marinated with paprika and cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, onion and ground veal. Among the many desserts were blackout cake with cherry Kirsh sauce and crepes with brandy stuffed with pears, apples and walnuts served with a chestnut cream sauce.

The Pacific Symphony Orchestra League was established a year ago to support the artistic and educational programs of the orchestra.

“This allows us to have musical events we otherwise couldn’t have,” said Carl St. Clair, the orchestra’s music director.

Also among the guests were Mac and Claire Burt, George and Arlene Cheng, Jim and Velma Emmi, Bruce and Alicia Furst, Arthur and Lynda Gome, Jerry and Maralou Harrington, Randy and Carole Johnson, Gene and Nadine Leyton, Phil and Mary Lyons, Maurice and Marcy Mulville, Maggie Murdy, Ron and Pat Nyborg, George and Anne Schopick, Wally and Gerry Schroeder, John Seymour and Kathryn Thompson and Gus Owen.