The Conservatory’s annual gala on March 23 was a homecoming of sorts as SFCM honored a trio of alumni whose careers have received international acclaim. 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 '06 returned to SFCM to play with his quintet, the renowned Canadian Brass. An audience including leaders in the arts, business and philanthropy also enjoyed performances by Conservatory Collegiate and Pre-College students.

In another highlight, the progressive bluegrass band Punch Brothers made a surprise appearance at the dinner reception. For the second year in a row, the quintet, headed by Grammy Award-winning mandolinist Chris Thile, regaled the crowd with an impromptu jam session in the tent that lasted late into the night.

Co-chaired by Conservatory Trustees Deepa Pakianathan and Susan Marineau, the 2015 Gala raised more than $650,000. Proceeds 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.