The Crowd: Wine event to benefit the Pacific Symphony
Editor’s note: This corrects the previous photo caption and adds all the photos that appeared with this column in print.
“Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.” — Ernest Hemingway in “Death in the Afternoon”
Celebrating the wisdom and the hedonistic pleasure expressed by the late American author Ernest Hemingway, the Pacific Symphony will once again present the Pacific Coast Wine Festival at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach on March 5.
In past years the festival has raised significant dollars in support of symphony’s music and education programs. The proceeds from the Pacific Coast Wine Festival, which organizers hope will reach $150,000 this season, will benefit schoolchildren to senior citizens through the programs offered by the symphony throughout the year.
The Pacific Symphony presents more than 100 concerts each year. Through its community programs, it is estimated that more than 275,000 Orange County residents are the recipients of the diverse cultural experiences provided by the orchestra.
Founded by Mike Kerr, the Pacific Coast Wine Festival promises to be a major wine lover’s spectacle.
“We are delighted to offer wines from 24 vintners, with newcomers such as Hundred Acre and Caymus joining festival regulars including Flora Springs, Loring and Vega Sicilia,” Kerr said.
Pacific Symphony board members Nancy and Kim Kelley will serve as honorary co-chairs for this year’s event. It will feature a lavish dinner, grand wine tasting, and both live and silent auctions.
Organizers report that the live auction will feature some of the finest wine auction lots in the United States. There will also be exclusive travel opportunities paired with wine-themed locales and one-of-a-kind dining opportunities offered to the highest bidder.
Sponsors of the event include BNY Mellon, Aston Martin, U.S. Bank, Tangram Interiors, the Disneyland Resort and Traditional Jewelers. For reservations and information please call Ricki Shab at (714) 876-2364 or e-mail rshab@pacificsymphony.org.
The worlds of music, charity and society collide Feb. 26 as the Philharmonic Society of Orange County premieres the 2011 Philharmonic House of Design. The gala opening sneak peek at the estate is an annual pilgrimage for lovers of interior design and lifestyle on the California Riviera.
This season the residence, which carries the moniker “Masion de la Mer,” is a spectacular Mediterranean villa in Crystal Cove. Sponsored by South Coast Plaza, Haigh Builders, and the handsome real estate magazine California Homes, the opening-night tour will showcase the work of noted designers, including Randy Boyd, Eve Lowey, Bunny Sutherland, Hal Swanson, Dan Ollis, Melinda Ritz, Lenee Miller, and John Wooden. Also featured will be Joyce Elizabeth Byrd, Gayle Lee, Kim Sankey, Frank Pitman, Enzo Selvaggi, Deirdre Eagles, David Phoenix and Jeanine Veldhuis.
The premiere night host committee is made up of dedicated Philharmonic supporters, including Eleanor Anderson, Sabra Bordas, Michael and Susan McFadden, Cindy Kornhaber, Shirlee Pruitt, Jane Grier and Karen Ridout, to name a few. The Philharmonic House of Design runs March 1-27. For ticket information, visit https://www.philharmonicsociety.org.
THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays. B.W. Cook is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.
