The Valley Line: LACC presents annual Gala Bel Canto; LCF resident turns 98
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This past week it seemed we are tiptoeing toward summer, at least we didn’t have triple-digit degree days. That’s good!
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Wendy Hobbs, a 50-year La Cañada Flintridge resident, put 98 candles on her birthday cake on June 2.
In honor of this special birthday, 21 bridge buddies at the Community Center of LCF planned a very hush-hush party. Wendy was almost speechless when she realized that the surprise potluck style luncheon was in her honor. Yes, there was a beautiful cake and so many good wishes. Deb Jordan, director of the Community Center, joined the party to help sing “Happy Birthday” to Wendy.
All of us at the Valley Sun wish Wendy a wonderful birthday year and especially hope she enjoys some excellent bridge hands.
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It was one of those especially lovely late spring evenings when choral music enthusiasts gathered to raise funds for the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus at its annual Gala Bel Canto.
Guests coalesced in the beautiful courtyard of what used to be the Cathedral of Saint Vibiana and parish of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Today the historic church building, built in 1876, is no longer a church but an event site in downtown Los Angeles.
The gala raised $232,000 and honored three Southland arts luminaries, whose vision and leadership has had a major impact on the field of choral music. The event raised funds for the chorus’ artistic, educational and scholarship programs.
Honored that evening were Marshall Rutter, Los Angeles Master Chorale founding board member and Chorale president and CEO Terry Knowles (who are husband and wife) with the Bel Canto Award for their groundbreaking and pace-setting contributions to the choral arts, and former Los Angeles Children’s Chorus chair David Scheidemantle with the Rebecca Thompson Founder’s Award for his leadership and dedication to the chorus.
Choristers, from all of LACC’s progressively experienced performing ensembles raised their voices in a heartfelt musical tribute to the honorees.
The gala also included a three-course sit-down dinner by famed chef Neal Fraser and a dazzling live auction.
KUSC personality Brian Lauridsen served as master of ceremonies. Los Angeles Master Chorale music director Grant Gershon paid tribute to the honorees. Jennifer Terry, LACC board chair introduced Scheidemantle.
The choristers were in fine voice the entire evening as they sang pieces by Hans Leo Hassler, Shawn Kirchner, J.S. Bach and Allister MacGillivray.
Scheidemantle’s children, Sara, Kaela and Luke, all current or former LACC members, paid tribute to their father with a performance of “Tango” by Michael McLean.
A vocal quartet featuring noted singers Grant Gershon, Elissa Johnston, Shawn Kirchner and Adrianna Manfredi honored Knowles and Rutter with several musical selections.
“Our honorees Terry, Marshall and David, through their dedication and selfless efforts, have inexorably altered the musical landscape in Los Angeles and beyond,” said gala chair Jennifer Sliskovich. Assisting the gala chair were Valeria Balfour, Patricia Barajas-Tavera, Elissa Johnston, Hill Westbrook Roberts, Ann Sunshine, Kelly Wilkniss, Andrea Willard and Rae Yan.
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JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@yahoo.com with news of your special event.