DAYTON, OH (December 16, 2011) – The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to announce that their Inaugural Gala held on October 1, 2011 at the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Center was a resounding success. Lois Sutherland and Dawn Ross were the Chairs of this event that netted $87,000 and attracted 387 patrons. This was an outstanding turnout for a first gala that almost sold out by word of mouth alone.
This one-of-a-kind evening highlighted the talents of many musicians from not only the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, but also the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, the Bob Gray Orchestra, Carillon Brass and local jazz musician, T. Kareem Powell. Neal Gittleman and the musicians of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra played ballroom, swing and oldies music as the guests of the gala had a special opportunity to dance on the Mead Theater Stage. The Bob Gray Orchestra rounded out the evening playing classic rock songs for the dancing audience. In the adjoining Mathile Theater, T. Kareem Powell’s jazz piano was an entertaining alternative in a supper club atmosphere.
Special guests in attendance included Chair of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Board of Trustees David Bohnett; US Representative Mike Turner; and local philanthropist Dr. Benjamin Schuster. This black tie affair attracted many patrons of the orchestra and arts community of Dayton and featured a specially designed gourmet menu by Citilites’ Chef, Jennifer Ball. Silent auction items included a trip to Costa Rica, private dinner parties by local chefs, and a trip to Los Angeles with tickets to the LA Philharmonic in Disney Music Hall, and backstage tour to meet Maestro Gustavo Dudamel. A beautiful diamond and pink topaz necklace, donated by James Free Jewelers, was raffled off and won by Jim Owens.
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Trustee Annette Salsman and Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association member Lori Howard, will chair next year’s Philharmonic Gala, which will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2012. For information about corporate sponsorship or to be included on the invitation mailing list, please email the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra at lcothran@daytonphilharmonic.com.