THE CROWD:Warm glow of support for the arts

The Pacific Chorale begins 2007 on a high note. A holiday dinner event at the Center Club, Costa Mesa, netted $120,000 for the musical ensemble, which is a local treasure. Gala event chair Jan Landstrom of Newport Beach welcomed social leaders in support of Orange County arts, many of whom had come to join the chorale in paying tribute to another treasure, Floss Schumacher, recipient of the lifetime achievement award presented by the chorale. Schumacher resides in Las Vegas but was a longtime Newport resident and was involved in many community causes with her husband, Ed. In fact, the Schumachers were instrumental leaders championing many efforts not only in the arts but also in education and medical research. Another of their most important associations was with UCI and the brain imaging center.

Landstrom joined Pacific Chorale President Kelly Ruggirello and board chair Michael Carroll ensuring a sold-out event, which began with a performance at the new Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, followed by the dinner celebration at the Center Club. They called the evening Afterglow, and the impressive fundraising effort will support numerous educational and artistic endeavors for the chorale all year long.

Founded in 1968, the Pacific Chorale boasts 180 singers, both professional and volunteer, under the direction of John Alexander. The group has performed in some of the most hallowed halls worldwide, with a home base in Costa Mesa.

The chorale performed in concert with the acclaimed Southern California Children’s Chorus, founded in 1996 by Lori Loftus. That organization counts some 300 children on its roster involved in musical education and performance programs. The local crowd was enchanted by the music.

For more information on how to support and get involved with the Pacific Chorale, call Suzanne O’Keeffe at (714) 662-2345 or e-mail suzanne@pacificchorale.org.