A Night of Wine, Roses and Mancini

Henry Mancini, the Oscar-winning composer of numerous film scores including “The Pink Panther,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “The Days of Wine and Roses,” was low-key and amiable at a reception in his honor following his appearance with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra.

About 150 guests greeted Mancini at the Center Club in Costa Mesa Friday after attending the orchestra’s Pops Series concert at the nearby Orange County Performing Arts Center. The gala was to thank members of the Maestro Society who contribute at least $1,500 a year to the orchestra.

High Notes

After leading the orchestra and his six-piece combo in a wide range of material, from classic ‘50s rock tunes to his recent score for “Tom and Jerry,” Mancini showed up at the party a changed man--dressed in a casual black leather bomber jacket and khaki pants instead of his suit and tie.

Everyone wanted to meet the 69-year-old composer who has won 20 Grammy awards and four Academy Awards, and Mancini good-naturedly obliged with handshakes all around.

“We need people like you . . . to support the orchestra,” he told a circle of admirers. Then, turning to one guest, he joked, “You liked my piano playing?”

Later, he reflected on one of the sentimental segments of the concert, a tribute to the late Audrey Hepburn, for whom he wrote the famous “Moon River.” During the performance, Mancini said he still preferred Hepburn’s version of the song even over those other “blue eyes”--Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams.

“Audrey and I were very good friends. She was one of the few people who came across on screen exactly as she did in person,” he said. “She showed her class, especially with her work with UNICEF. She sure inspired me.”

When asked about the eclectic choice of material he performed that evening, Mancini said he’s drawn to all kinds of music.

“I take things from everywhere. I’m sneaky because I have to be. If I’m writing songs for a country-Western picture, I have to know about country music.”

Mancini is currently composing the music for the Broadway production of “Victor/Victoria.”

A Perfect Arrangement

For party-goers, the pairing of Mancini with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra made for a fine duet.

“Mancini and the orchestra loved each other--you could tell,” said Walter Schroeder, who with wife Gerry underwrote the concert.

“I liked all of the songs, especially the ones from the ‘50s,” Schroeder said.

Louis Spisto, vice president and executive director of the orchestra, said Mancini is wonderful on and off stage.

“He’s not only a great musician, he’s a great person. He and his wife, Ginny, have given so much to the arts all over Southern California,” Spisto said.

Others attending were George and Arlene Cheng, Jim and Velma Emmi, David and Susan Gerke, Mike and Ellie Gordon, Maurice and Marcy Mulville, George and Anne Schopick and Peggy and Sally Segerstrom.