Leatrice Luria Named Honorary Gala Chair of Music Academy of the West Benefit, 8/7

By: May. 12, 2014
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Leatrice Luria will serve as honorary chair for this year's CABARET gala fundraiser benefiting the Music Academy of the West. Featuring cocktails, a gourmet dinner, a live auction, and performances of classical, Broadway, and pop favorites by Academy Voice and Instrumental Fellows, the event will take place at 6 pm on Thursday, August 7, at Fess Parker's DoubleTree Resort. This is the first year that Mrs. Luria has served as honorary chair for CABARET, an annual favorite among local philanthropists and one of the most anticipated benefits of the year.

A longtime supporter of the Music Academy's full-scholarship program, Mrs. Luria has been pivotal to the Academy's development in recent years. Her family has contributed significantly to the Music Academy's long-range capital improvement campaign, including the lead gift to help fund construction of the Luria Education Center, the Academy's multifunction educational facility named in honor of her and late husband Eli. As a Board member, Ms. Luria founded the Music Academy's innovative Compeer program, which pairs Academy Fellows with donors and other Santa Barbara community members for informal socializing throughout the summer season. In recognition of her many extraordinary efforts as a board director and as an energetic and generous advocate and benefactor, the Music Academy conferred upon her the honorary title of Emeritus Director in 2006. The title is the highest honor bestowed upon former Music Academy directors.

"CABARET is a celebration of the Music Academy and all that it accomplishes through its full-scholarship program. I hope you will join me in support of this exceptional institution and the many talented young artists who come here each summer to prepare for careers as classical musicians," said Mrs. Luria.

Famed comedienne and singer Carol Burnett will again join the Academy's own Marilyn Horne for individual instruction and masterclass work with Voice Fellows on the art of musical comedy in preparation for this year's CABARET presentation. Award-winning director Gerald Sternbach will return to oversee the event's musical-revue-style production.

Merryl Brown Events will produce this year's CABARET gala. Early corporate sponsors include Bartlett, Pringle & Wolf, Frank Schipper Construction Co., Montecito Bank & Trust, and PMSM Architects. Table sponsorships are available starting at $5,000. Single tickets cost $1,000, $500, and $300 each. For ticket pricing, sponsorship opportunities, and related information, call 695-7918.

Philip Channing



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