O.C. Arts Center Throws a Gala 10th Birthday

The Orange County Performing Arts Center raised more than $500,000 Sunday at an anniversary gala concert that celebrated a decade of dance, music and drama.

“This stage brought Orange County from obscurity to prominence in international dance,” said prime center donor Henry T. Segerstrom, addressing about 2,000 people gathered in Segerstrom Hall moments before the concert began. “Together, we have proven daring achievements are possible.”

Before the $73-million, 3,000-seat center opened a decade ago, Orange County residents were forced to drive to Los Angeles or rely on concerts held at local high schools for their culture fix. Today, supporters of the performing arts center are proud it rivals the Los Angeles Music Center in its productions.

Such pride allowed gala host Judie Argyros to feel relief the center hit such a milestone.

“I’ve been involved for the past 12 years, before the center was a center, when we didn’t know if it would even happen,” said Argyros, wife of developer George Argyros. “This is a very big night, a very special night.”

Santa Ana attorney Ruben Salgado said the center has made Orange County a better place to live.

“We have first-class music, first-class dance right here in Orange County,” said Salgado, who has been attending center performances for more than seven years. “I think it’s great.”

Those gathered at the center at the end of a sweltering day sipped from elegant champagne flutes and were serenaded by roving violinists while photographers took pictures of the social elite, most of whom were formally dressed in variations of the black-tie tuxedo and dramatic floor-length gown and dazzling jewels.

Concert-goers were entertained by mezzo-soprano Jennifer Larmore, baritone Gino Quilico, pianist Emanuel Ax, the Pacific Symphony Orchestra conducted by Carl St. Carl and composer Robert Savier Rodriguez’s “Hot Buttered Rumba,” a piece commissioned by the center.

After the concert, those who paid $500-a-ticket ate alfresco on the circular drive in front of the center.

Many who paid $20-$85 for just the reception and concert paused at the elegant dining arrangements, or marveled at the elaborate gowns.

“Wow, look at that,” said longtime center patron Sally Davis of Anaheim as she walked past the dining area. “I’m here for the concert and to see what everyone is wearing.”

While the fund-raiser fell short of its original goal of $600,000, a flurry of last-minute ticket sales was expected to net close to $550,000, the second-highest amount raised since the center’s opening in 1986 raised a record $1 million, officials said.