On Monday, March 23, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music celebrated its annual spring gala at the school’s campus on 50 Oak Street. The event paid tribute to outstanding Conservatory alumni who enjoy international acclaim as major artists on the world's most celebrated stages. Metropolitan Opera soprano Elza van den Heever '04 joined lauded collaborative pianist Warren Jones '77 for a selection of dazzling opera arias. Trombonist Achilles Liarmakopoulos '06returned to SFCM to play with his quintet, the renowned Canadian Brass. Performances by remarkable students from SFCM’s Pre-College and Collegiate Divisions rounded out an incredible evening of music.

Dressed in a stylish raspberry couture gown by New York fashion designer Rubin Singer, Deepa Pakianathan, event Co-Chair and Executive Vice Chair of the Conservator’s Board of Trustees, acknowledged all those who contributed to the success of the Gala. “Without the passionate commitment of several committees, including our Gala Committee, our Honorary Committee, the Board of Trustees, and our fabulous faculty, staff and students, this evening would not be possible.” Her co-Chair and Trustee Susan Marineau concurred, adding that, “our very generous corporate sponsors who are here this evening...help to support this wonderful institution that is a jewel for San Francisco.”  Proceeds of the more than $650,000 raised from the Conservatory Gala will fund scholarships for collegiate and Pre-College students and support SFCM’s community service programs, which provide musical education and enrichment to thousands of students and under-served individuals each year. 

Read the full press release here.