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5 City Gala
Norma Lerner with Albert and Audrey Ratner
(5 City Gala)
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Paula and Hewitt Shaw (5 City Gala)
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John and Giuliana Koch with Toby Cosgrove
(5 City Gala)
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Bill and Kathy O’Neill with Usha and Monte Ahuja
(5 City Gala)
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The Cleveland Orchestra
“5 City Gala”
Well beyond its hometown borders, The Cleveland Orchestra celebrated its spectacular achievements at the 5 City Gala, the benefit in homage to successes in Miami, Milan, New York and Vienna.
Audrey and Albert Ratner were honorary chairmen and Paula and Hewitt Shaw gala chairmen of a notably innovative evening attended by more than 400 patrons at Severance Hall. The Cleveland-style cocktail reception included favorite recipes from the former Hough Bakery and hors d’oeuvres donated by Fire! Highlight of the orchestra’s concert, under the direction of musical director Franz Welser-Most, was the performance of Richard Strauss’ “Burleske” by acclaimed pianist Emanuel Ax.
Elan Catering prepared sumptuous menus for the Milan interlude and dinners reflecting the elegance of Vienna with music by Cleveland Institute of Music students and the South Beach vibe of Miami with music by the Roberto Ocasio Latin Jazz Project. Vocalist Evelyn Wright and the North Coast Jazz Collective were the featured performers in the New York cabaret where coffee and desserts were served. North Coast Events created all the decorations and gorgeous floral arrangements. A stunning necklace and earrings, designed and donated by Russell Trusso, was the singular raffle prize.
The proceeds of more than $550,000 will benefit The Cleveland Orchestra’s educational and community programs. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY KATHRYN RIDDLE
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