The Princeton Symphony Orchestra transformed the Bedens Brook Club in Montgomery into an elegant Manhattan nightclub — presided over by the incomparable entertainer Ann Hampton Callaway — for “A Classic Cabaret” on April 17. The annual gala raised more than $100,000 for the benefit of BRAVO! — a PSO initiative that brings live classical music into classrooms — and for the support of general operations of the orchestra.
More than 230 guests dressed in sequins and silk were ushered into a cocktail reception room draped dramatically with red curtains and decorated with arrangements of red roses. The chic surroundings continued into the candlelit dining room, which evoked the sophistication of big-city nightspots like the Café Carlyle.
Following a dinner of filet mignon, capped by a dessert of key lime pie drizzled with raspberry coulis, friends and supporters of the PSO turned their attention to one of the evening’s highlights, the popular auction of luxury vacations in exclusive private residences. Auctioneer and appraiser Sebastian Clarke of Doyle New York, who donated his services, led the lively round of bidding for such destinations as a castle in southern France, a country hunting lodge in Ireland and a cozy cottage on St. Simons Island, Ga.
The evening’s entertainment was provided by singer and songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway, accompanied by pianist Ted Rosenthal. Acclaimed for her talents as a musician, singer, composer and actress, Ms. Callaway is a Tony Award nominee (for the musical “Swing!”). She has sung with more than 25 of the world’s top orchestras and has recorded many critically praised CDs. Ms. Callaway’s performance at the PSO gala featured original interpretations of such classics as “Over the Rainbow” and “Pick Yourself Up”; show- stopping numbers like Cole Porter’s “From This Moment On” and “Just One of Those Things,” and a song she composed for Barbra Streisand’s wedding to James Brolin, “I Dreamed of You.”
As a finale, Ms. Callaway improvised a rousing anthem for the PSO, written on the spot from words and phrases suggested by the audience.
In her remarks, Ms. Callaway reminisced about growing up in a highly musical family in Chicago, where, as a child, she attended concerts by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She expressed her enthusiasm for the Princeton community’s strong support of the PSO’s work in presenting artistically excellent programs and upholding the traditions of American orchestras. An advocate of music education for young people, the singer applauded the PSO for serving the public and schools through its BRAVO! initiative.
Also present for the festivities was PSO Concertmaster Basia Danilow, who welcomed guests on behalf of Music Director Rossen Milanov and the orchestra’s musicians.
The event was co-chaired by Ellen Baber, Susie Paneyko, Caren Sturges and Nina Wainwright. Corporate sponsors included Verizon Wireless, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Cardinal Partners, Tyco International, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Ortho-McNeil- Janssen, WithumSmith+Brown, Integra Neuro Sciences and Wells Fargo Advisors.
On the Web: www.princeton symphony.org.
— Princeton Symphony Or chestra
