Palm Beach Opera's 2017 Gala Featured An Evening With Michael Fabiano

Palm Beach Opera's 2017 Gala - An Evening with Michael Fabiano took place on February 2, 2017, at The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum in Palm Beach.

Palm Beach Opera's, at capacity, glamorous black tie gala began with a pre-performance reception on the terrace overlooking Lake Worth and the West Palm Beach skyline.

Following the reception, guests were regaled with an intimate concert in the West Room of the Flagler Museum by Metropolitan Opera superstar tenor Michael Fabiano, accompanied by internationally known pianist Laurent Philippe. The stunning concert featured a variety of pieces from the tenor's repertoire, highlighting his inspired interpretations of some of opera's most challenging tenor arias.

Opera News wrote, "Michael Fabiano may have the most exciting tenor voice in opera." He was the recipient of the 2014 Beverly Sills Artist Award, as well as the 2014 Richard Tucker Award. Mr. Fabiano is the first singer to win both awards in the same year, and is one of the most sought after tenors in the world today.

After his concert that ended with two encores, Palm Beach Opera's guests were treated to a sumptuous four-course dinner in the magnificent Flagler Kenan Pavilion provided by Ann Z Catering. Nancy and Jay Parker, Gala Co-Chairs and Flagler Museum Members Sponsors, welcomed over 200 guests to the Gala. Daniel Biaggi, General Director of Palm Beach Opera, thanked Mr. and Mrs. Parker, Mr. Fabiano, and Mr. Phillipe, as well as all guests in attendance for their continued support of Palm Beach Opera. Throughout the dinner, musical entertainment was provided by The Helena Redman Quartet.

Long-time Palm Beach Opera supporters Mr. and Mrs. Ellis J. Parker served as Co-Chairs and Flagler Museum Member Sponsors for the 2017 Gala. Sponsors and underwriters for the evening included: Gala Artist Underwriter- Dr. Elizabeth M. Bowden; Gala Pianist Underwriters- Toni and Martin Sosnoff; Platinum Sponsors- Drs. Henry and Marsha Laufer; Gold Sponsors- Frayda and George L. Lindemann, Kit Pannill, Ari Rifkin, and Dennis K. and Roseanne Williams; Silver Sponsors- Mr. and Mrs. William G. Brown; Bronze Sponsors- Roberta and Stanley Bogen, Annette Friedland, Joan and David Genser, Dr. Barbara and Jerome Golden, Dorothy and Sidney Kohl, Ingrid and Dr. David Kosowsky, Patricia and Howard Lester, Rhea and Dr. Morton Mandell, Lynn and John J. Pohanka, Solomon Family Foundation Trust, Toni and Martin Sosnoff, and Lynn and Ed Streim; Major Sponsors Dinner Hosts-Arlene Kaufman and Sanford Baklor; Gold Recital Aria Underwriters- Gay and Stanley Gaines, and Lynn and Ed Streim.

Corporate Sponsors included: Eau Palm Beach and Lamborghini Palm Beach.

Some of the other guests in attendance included: Drs. Sander and Carol Abend, Cornelia Bailey, Sanford Baklor and Arlene Kaufman, Jay Bauer and Eileen Berman, Bruce Beal and Francis Cunningham, Gladys Benenson, David and Carolyn Brodsky, Bill and Solange Brown, John and Susan Domenico, Robert and Esta Epstein, Ann and Robert Fromer, Roy Furman, Paul and Sandra Goldner, Arlette Gordon, Merrill and Charles Gottesman, Barbara Greis and Howard Gottlieb, Chuck Hardwick and Sheilagh Mylott, Judy and James Harpel, Martha Ingram, Suzanna and John Laramee, Monica and Scott Laurans, Michael McCafferty and Joseph Horton, Mary Montgomery, Anka Palitz, Ari Rifkin, Marc Scorca, Martin and Toni Sosnoff, Dr. John and Karin Strasswimmer, and David Walker (Managing Director for Palm Beach Opera), among others.

Palm Beach Opera is dedicated to producing live opera at an international standard of excellence and to enriching the life of the communities it serves with a diverse offering of educational programs. Founded in 1961, the fully professional Palm Beach Opera presents mainstage performances at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach and is a proud member of OPERA America and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.

Photo credit: Capehart Photography