‘Bell’ of the Ball: Highlights of the 27th Season Gala

Guests at San Francisco Performances’ 27th annual Gala were thrilled to learn that the year’s surprise special guest was renowned violinist Joshua Bell. Bell joined the evening’s scheduled artists—bassist Edgar Meyer and mandolin player Mike Marshall—in a program entitled  Bach to Bluegrass.

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More than 300 guests attended the Gala on October 8, which raised $150,000 for SFP’s arts education and community programs, a mainstay of San Francisco Performances’ mission since the Alexander String Quartet became the first Artists-in-Residence in 1989.

The warm fall evening began with cocktails on the terrace of the Green Room of the War Memorial Veterans Building. Guests then moved into the Green Room itself, which was decorated in rich hues of rust and gold, the walls glowing with the light projections of Patty-Ann Farrell. Dinner started off with an heirloom tomato and fresh mozzarella salad, followed by “Beef Two Ways,” provided by McCall Catering.
Gala Chairs Roswitha Goeppert-Woolley and Philomena King welcomed everyone and shared some inspiring words about SFP’s arts education programs. Board Chairman Frank Bayley thanked the evening's sponsors and patrons, and introduced SFP President Ruth Felt, who spoke about the artists. When she announced that Bell would be the special guest, the room erupted in applause.  

After dinner, guests moved to the Herbst Theatre for a truly unique concert. Marshall and Meyer, with his large acoustic bass in tow, took the stage, which was bare except for a Persian-style rug. Among the highlights were Meyer’s performance of the Prélude from J.S. Bach’s Suite for Solo Cello No.1 in G Major;  Bell’s performance of The Pope’s Concert from the soundtrack ofthe film The Red Violin; and the trio performing the title track from an album they collaborated on, Short Trip Home.

“Our Gala concert was a rare performance bringing together three celebrated virtuosi who are also great friends,” commented Felt.

Following the concert, guests were treated to a lavish dessert buffet in the Green Room, which had been transformed into a nightclub setting with big band-style music provided by the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra. The balmy night drew people to the terrace, which was beautifully lit by the lights from City Hall and the harvest moon.

To see pictures of last years gala, click here