TRIO

The inaugural gala to benefit Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona and The Phoenix Symphony brought together all three performing arts organizations Feb. 8 at Symphony Hall. More than 2,000 guests attended the performance and more than 750 continued for dinner and dancing in the ballroom.

After enjoying cocktails and live music, guests were seated for the TRIO performance and remarks made by each organization’s board chair. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, who directed The Phoenix Symphony in the National Anthem, also greeted the guests from the stage.

A one-hour performance, conducted by Ari Pelto, showcased each company and featured “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity” from The Planets, George Balanchine’s Serenade and “Martern aller Arten,” performed by soprano Lisette Oropesa. The performance culminated in a world-premiere performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with all three organizations on stage at once, a momentous “first.”

With performance-only tickets available, the community turned out to fill Symphony Hall. After the performance, the 750 gala seated patrons dined after the performance and made their way into the ballroom with the sounds of The Optimystics. After dinner, guests danced to music by Affinity. A live auction featured experiences from each company.

Photos by Image Industry