LA Chamber Orchestra Honors Supporters in 'Taking a Chance On Love' Gala Tonight

Love will be in the air when the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) honors the generosity and dedication of long-time supporters Jennifer and Royce Diener (Santa Monica residents) and David K. and Kay Duke Ingalls (Santa Fe, New Mexico residents) at its annual gala, "Taking a Chance On Love," tonight, February 2, 2013, 6 pm, at The California Club in downtown Los Angeles.

David K. Ingalls served as President of LACO's Board of Directors from 1980 to 1983 and as Chair from 1983 to 1988; and Jennifer Diener served as President from 1991 to 1995 and Chair from 1995 to 1998. Both were instrumental in establishing the Orchestra as a premier cultural institution of Los Angeles and currently serve on LACO's newly established Emeritus Board of Directors. The evening's theme is a nod to the era of George Gershwin and Ballets Russes composer Vladimir Dukelsky - better known as Vernon Duke - whose enchanting tunes are at the heart of the Great American Songbook. Duke is Ingalls' late husband. Proceeds benefit LACO's concert series, radio broadcasts and community engagement programs.

Chaired by Pasadena residents Carol and Warner Henry, the dazzling fundraiser includes specialty period cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, spectacular live and silent auctions, a sumptuous dinner, dancing to Mora's Modern Rhythmists, as well as a virtuoso concert featuring captivating musical tributes by LACO Music Director Jeffrey Kahane and LACO artists. They will be joined by several notable young musical guests, including 10-year-old prize-winning piano and violin protégé Ray Ushikubo, a student at The Colburn School; rising tenor Joshua Guerrero, a member of the acclaimed Domingo/Thornton LA Opera Young Artist Program and the Santa Fe Opera's Apprentice Artist program; and the electrifying Brooklyn-based ensemble PROJECT Trio - comprised of Greg Pattillo, flute, Eric Stephenson, cello, and Peter Seymour, bass, who are LACO education artists-in-residence. PROJECT Trio has appeared on MTV and Nickelodeon, has been described as having "the fire and refinement of the finest classical chamber ensembles with the stage presence and energy of rock stars," and was hailed by Downbeat Magazine as "packed with musicianship, joy and surprise!"

A silent auction and a live auction, conducted by auctioneer Grant Snyder, offer special entertainment, culinary, wine, travel and jewelry packages, including dinner for eight prepared in the winning bidder's home by famed chef Alain Giraud of Maison Giraud with a performance by LACO musicians; and a print of an original drawing of Beethoven by celebrated American artist John Van Hamersveld, who created the iconic album cover designs for the Beatles' Magical Mysteryl Tour and The Rolling Stones' Exile on Main Street, among others.

Gala committee members are LACO Board President K. Eugene Shutler (Santa Monica), Clare Baren (Studio City), Ruth L. Eliel (Los Feliz), Sharon Hauptman (Redondo Beach), Maia Jasper (Glendale), Heidi Laff (Brentwood), Ann Moore Mulally (Santa Monica), Linda Rosen (Pacific Palisades), Peekie Schaefer (Brentwood) and Josefina Vergara (Santa Monica).

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is considered one of the world's premier chamber orchestras as well as a leader in presenting wide-ranging repertoire and adventurous commissions. Its 2012-13 season, the Orchestra's 44th, features a compelling mix of beloved masterpieces and genre-defying premieres from firmly established and notable up-and-coming composers programmed by Jeffrey Kahane, one of the world's foremost conductors and pianists, who marks his 16th season as LACO's music director.

Tickets and tables to "Taking a Chance on Love," which start at $750 per person, are on sale now and may be purchased by calling LACO at 213 622 7001 x 4. The California Club is located at 538 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, 90071.