Orange County, California's resident grand opera producing company

600 W. Warner Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92707
714-546-6000 

Press contact: Rebecca Loesch (714.830.6307)
Laura Shane, Peter Goldman, Tim Choy
Davidson and Choy Publicity (323.954.7510)
Photos are available by email request rloesch@operapacific.org

Opera Pacific’s largest fundraising event of the year transformed the Sequoia Ballroom at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel into an evening of elegance and glamour, evoking Truman Capote's legendary Black and White Ball with a gorgeous parade of swans in attendance. The entryway was decorated with blown-glass droplets, simulating raindrops. Black, white, or red beaded table linens with lace lining and faux fur trim by Wildflower Linens and gorgeous matching chairs, by Chameleon Chairs, greeted guests.

The evening began with a swanky cocktail reception featuring a Rodnik Vodka Martini Bar pouring “Passiontinis,” and continued with a luscious four-course dinner, entertainment, a live auction, the Opera Pacific Opera Ball Orchestra, and dancing to the Frank Amoss Orchestra.

“The ball was beyond all expectations,” said Marybelle Musco. “Paul and I were so overwhelmed by the feeling of love in the room. It took our breath away.”

Opera Pacific Artistic Director John DeMain conducted a musical tribute to the Muscos,

Featuring a “slightly rewritten” rendition of Cole Porter’s “You’re the Tops” sung by the Opera Pacific Ensemble of Repertory Artists^TM (O.P.E.R.A.), a surprise appearance by Opera Pacific President and Executive Director, Robert C. Jones, playing an alto saxophone solo and baritone Martin Schaefer singing the Johnny Mercer classsic “Laura,” Marybelle Musco’s favorite song. The tribute continued with surprise performances by William Burden and Olga Makarina, the lead singers in the highly acclaimed Opera Pacific production of Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, singing Italian songs in tribute to Paul’s heritage. Mr. Burden sang Gene Scheer’s “Dimmi Perche,” and Ms. Makarina followed with “O luce di quest anima” from the Donizetti opera Linda di Chamounix. The musical tribute concluded toasting the couple with the famous chorus from Verdi’s La Traviata, “Libiamo”, featuring O.P.E.R.A. singers Shaherezade Mowlavi and Chad Berlinghieri.

In recognizing Paul and Marybelle Musco, former Board Chairman and Executive Director Martin Hubbard stated: “We have had many important donors over the past twenty years – many have made unselfish contributions at critical times in our young history. Paul, what you have brought is not just your financial support, but your wisdom, your business acumen, your leadership – and, yes, your passion.“ “Marybelle, I know I speak for both Bob Jones and me when I say your counsel, your dedication, your unstinting belief in this company, and your partnership with Paul have been a light, a spirit, and a solace to Opera Pacific.” Mr. Hubbard then presented the couple with the Gold Baton for Philanthropic Leadership, designed and executed by Laguna Beach artist Kelly Lyons.

The night’s entertainment also featured Miriam Larici and Hugo Patyn, creators and directors of Tango & Fire and choreographers for the Broadway Hit Forever Tango, with a sultry cutting-edge tango dance that left the audience breathless.

Auctioneer Larry Zuckerled the live auction, which included trips around the world and a Grand Auction Item of the chance to conduct a patriotic encore at the "Opera Under the Stars: Young at Heart" performance at the Irvine Bowl on September 15, 2007, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Pageant of the Masters. Opera Pacific supporter and honorary member of the Board of Directors, Michelle Rohé, won the Grand Auction item for $16,000 and presented the opportunity to her guest, fifteen-year-old Fernando de la Fuente, an accomplished pianist and Woodbridge High School student.

Party favors for all guests included an Estée Lauder compact provided by Neiman Marcus, a Tusk Leather custom-made luggage tag in black and white with red accent, Jenju Pearl Cream, and Rodnik Vodka.

Funds raised at this gala event help support Opera Pacific's mission of producing extraordinary performances of opera in Orange County. Each year, the Opera Pacific Opera Ball is a highlight of the social season and philanthropic calendar of Orange County and its surrounding communities.

Ball co-chairs Paige Kunkle and Christyne Sutton Olsonthanked everyone for their support, which ultimately netted over $320,000 for Opera Pacific.

Opera Pacific has established itself as one of the finest professional opera companies in the nation. Opera Pacific's mainstage productions, extensive community outreach programs, and energetic Guild Alliance combine to create a cultural resource for all of Southern California. More than 670,000 people have enjoyed Opera Pacific's productions at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, while over 575,000 young people have discovered the world of opera through the company's in-school presentations, Student Previews, and nationally recognized Opera Camps.

OPERA PACIFIC’S 22nd Season (2007-2008) begins with Puccini’s La Bohème, October 24, 28, November 1, 3, 2007, followed by Mozart’s The Magic Flute, January 23, 27, 31, February 2, 2008, and Floyd’s Susannah, May 14, 18, 22, 24, 2008. All performances are in Segerstrom Hall at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. 

To choose your seat and to order tickets online, visit www.operapacific.org or for subscriptions call Ticket Services at 1 800 34 OPERA.