On May 3rd, CFC celebrated its 30th anniversary in style with a concert and gala cocktail reception at the Hillman Center for the Performing Arts on the Shady Side Academy campus.
Jim Cunningham, Artistic Director of WQED-FM served as emcee for the concert, announcing performances by the Troubadour, Talisman and Bel Canto Choirs as they made their way onto the stage. CFC was thrilled to welcome soprano Jennifer O'Loughlin as a guest artist on the program. Singing with the choirs, Ms. O'Loughlin performed Mozart's Laudate Dominum followed by Ronde du Cr�pescule by C�cile Chaminade. She then delighted the audience with a breathtaking performance of Caro Nome from Verdi's opera Rigoletto.
Other guest artists on the program included guitarist Gregg Campayno, percussionist Jeff Berman, violinist Bob Banerjee, and Susan Powers on banjo. Lindsey Nova, horn player and Executive Director of Three Rivers Young Peoples' Orchestra, provided a beautiful instrumental accompaniment to An American Anthem, a stirring patriotic piece by Allan Naplan.
The performance closed with The Lord Bless You and Keep You. Keeping with tradition, all CFC alumna were invited to the stage. More than 40 were present to have one final opportunity to perform under the direction of Christine Jordanoff who took her final bow as CFC's Artistic Director. Shawn Funk, conductor of Talisman Choir and Angela Evans, conductor of Troubadour Choir, joined Mrs. Jordanoff on stage to receive a standing ovation for this incredible concert.
Then . . . there was the GALA! Following the concert, gala guests were treated to delicious foods and wines. Music was provided by the Scott Boni Trio. Mr. Boni, a CFC student from 1989-1994 credits his experiences as a CFC member with "providing the musical and personal foundation that he has been fortunate enough to build upon as a professional".
CFC is very grateful to the numerous businesses and individuals who provided items and services that were part of the gala's silent auction. More than $3500 was raised in auction items alone!
All totaled, the gala's raised nearly $17,000.
We are so very grateful to our friends Hilda and Freddie Fu, the Elizur Corporation, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Riley, Hewitt, Witte & Romano, The Hill Group and William and Debbie Demchak as well as all of the benefactors and patrons who are too numerous to mention. Your support of CFC for this milestone event was - and is - deeply appreciated by all of us at CFC.
Photographer John Madia took lots of photos at the gala. If you would like to see more of them and perhaps order copies, please visit his website here.