Social Seens... Photography by Gram
The Florida Orchestra Gala
The Second Annual Florida Orchestra Gala, reception, concert and dinner was held at the Mahaffey Theater in
St. Petersburg. The concert featured two Michaels with The Florida Orchestra, its Music Director Michael Francis conducting
in his inaugural season, and special guest star Michael Feinstein, the award-winning pianist and vocalist known as
“The Ambassador of the American Songbook.” The high level of talent, charisma and mutual respect on stage could be felt
by the appreciative audience. The Gala guests’ admiration remained high during the post-performance dinner prepared by
Chef Chris Ponte and his Cafe Ponte staff. Plans for The Florida Orchestra’s Third Annual Gala with Itzhak Perlman next
year are already underway.
Tom James, executive chair of Raymond James
Financial, and his wife Mary praised Michael
Feinstein’s stellar on-stage performance with
The Florida Orchestra. Orchestra board members and Gala sponsors
Marcy and Bob Shuck, who co-chaired the Gala
with Sonia Raymund, a Presenting Sponsor,
were pleased with the benefit’s success.
The Honorable Bob Schmidt, the mayor of
Belleair Shore, an Orchestra board and Gala
committee member and a Gala Presenting
Sponsor, escorted realtor Cathy Schoeppler.
Fred and Aleta Fisher, who recently moved
from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg,
enjoyed mingling with friends during
the Gala’s pre-performance reception.
Harry and Joan McCreary, who are familiar
faces at the many Tampa Bay area charity events
they support, especially enjoyed the dinner
prepared by Chef Chris Ponte.
Orchestra board member Dr. Susan Betzer and
her husband Dr. Peter Betzer helped sponsor
the benefit featuring Michael Feinstein at the
Mahaffey Theater.
158 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2016