Ling and Charlie Zhang PHOTO BY DOUG GIFFORD
Bright blooms adorned the tables. PHOTO BY ANNIE WHITE
Ballet Folklórico de México dancers PHOTO BY DOUG GIFFORD
Joann Leatherby with Lynn and Doug Freeman and Barbara Bowie PHOTO BY DOUG GIFFORD
John and Michele Forsyte with Ruth Ann and John Evans PHOTO BY DOUG GIFFORD
Jim Birmingham and Scharrell Jackson PHOTO BY DOUG GIFFORD
THE PARTY Pacific Symphony returned to the stage for the first time in more than a year at Fandango! An Evening in Early California, the organization’s annual gala, which was held at Oso Viejo Community Park. Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman served as the guest of honor for his 30 seasons with the symphony while longtime supporters Ling and Charlie Zhang were also touted for their generosity. THE PEOPLE Pacific Symphony President and CEO John Forsyte and gala co-chairs Joann Leatherby and Leona Aronoff-Sadacca were among the well-heeled guests who enjoyed entertainment by Ballet Folklórico de Los Angeles, Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Jacque Tahuka-Nunez. Carl St.Clair and Kaufman also charmed as they took turns leading the symphony. THE PINNACLE The night proved to hit all the right notes as the gala garnered more than $2 million, its highest tally ever. Leatherby said it best: “What makes a perfect evening? A beautiful park, a setting reminiscent of old California, food offerings inspired by the Indigenous people and the ranchers, beautiful music provided by the Pacific Symphony and people anxious to be together.”
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