1.The 153rd Academy of Music Anniversary Concert and Ball took place Saturday, January 30. To begin the program actor Tony Danza introduced the Philadelphia Orchestra and its conductor Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos. They was followed first by the orchestra’s rendition of the National Anthem and a program of classical favorites with tenor Juan Diego Flórez. World-renowned singer/composer Sting, sang a medley of his No. 1 hits with the orchestra conducted by David Huntley. A champagne supper and ball followed the concert at the Hyatt at the Bellevue Hotel. The region’s premier white-tie gala benefit is one of the region’s most successful fundraisers. The theme for this year’s Concert and Ball was “Beautiful Spaces, Fabulous Places,” which pays tribute not only to the remarkable Philadelphia landmarks but to all of the wonderful people and faces that enrich the buildings that make up Philadelphia. The event was a benefit for the Academy of Music’s Restoration Fund. Angela Hudson and Joe Frick co-chaired the Academy of Music’s 153rd Anniversary Concert and Ball. Angela and her husband Fred (left) were pictured with Kevin Hansley and Samantha Orleans, who was a majorevent sponsor. Young Friends committee member M. Samuel V. Hamilton III and Brynne McNulty joined them during the photo opportunity.
2. The restoration of the Academy of Music’s magnificent chandelier and the renovation of the Ballroom back to its original splendor have added great meaning to the incredible “spaces” the Academy of Music offers to the cultural landscape. Governor Edward G. Rendell and his wife Marjorie (center and right) were among the notables attending the event. Ed and ”Midge” Rendell chatted with John White (left) as they made their way to the hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
3. Sotheby’s was a major sponsor of this year’s Anniversary Concert and Ball. Warren P. Weitman Jr. Chairman, North and South America, attended the event with Eve Reid. They joined Leslie Keno of ’ ’ Antiques Roadshow” fame with his wife Emily (right).
4. Guests from New York City included (from left) Brad Clark, Jennifer Kindig, Leslie and Emily Keno.
5. Joseph Neubauer (left), his wife Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer (second right) and Philadelphia Orchestra board chairman Richard Worley (right) joined tenor Juan Diego Flórez and his wife Julia (second left and center) during the gala dinner held in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom. The Neubauer Family Foundation served as a Prime Sponsor of the glittering event.
6. Tenor Juan Diego Flórez, a graduate of the Curtis Institute and native of Peru, and his wife , Julia, posed for a photo on the staircase leading to the popular Grand Ballroom Balconey.
7. Vince Liuzzi and his wife Jacqueline (left) were pictured with Anne and Joe DelRaso (right). Mr. Liuzzi and his wife are new to the area. He is Wachovia’s senior vice-president and regional president of the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware. Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company, was a Prestige Sponsor.
8. Hilarie Morgan served on the Invitations Committee. Dr. Morgan was pictured with her husband Mitchell Morgan during the 153rd Anniversary Concert and Ball.
9. Invitations Committee members Janice Murdoch (left) and Kathy Spagnola (second right) attended the ball with their husbands Britton (second left) and John Spagnola.
10. Philadelphia Orchestra supporters Deborah and David Van Dusen attended the annual Academy Ball.
11. R.J. Cacciutti and Erin Pusz (left) attended the ball with Kristin Camiel and Bill Firth (right).
12. Peter J. Hovnanian and his wife Theresa attended the white-tie concert and ball.
13. Daria Pew (left) chatted with the Philadelphia Orchestra’s General Manager Steve Miller (right) during this year’s Academy Ball.
14. Donald Caldwell, PAFA’s board chair and his wife Linda Aversa Caldwell (left), joined Connie Van Zant and her fiancé Carter Caldwell (right) during the reception at the Hyatt at the Bellevue Hotel, following the concert at the Academy of Music.
15. Conni and Desmond McDonnell were pictured during the reception following the concert. Conni served on the Invitations Committee.
16. Guy and Beverly Torsiliere (left) came to the ball with Jimmy Kazanjian and Lisa Gaudio (right).
17. Mary Heine and Ross Mitchell were among the guests attending the Academy Ball.
18. Werner Tillmann and Chrissi Coy-Burt attended the 153rd Anniversary Concert and Ball.
19. Guests included (from left) Robert Marcin, Laura Hunt Jones, Mark Hampson, Stacey Marcin, Thomas Marcin and Kyra Marcin.
20. Program Book advisory committee member Marianne Raphaely and her husband Dr. Russell Raphaely attended the 153rd Academy of Music Ball.
21. Abraham C. Reich and his wife Sherry attended the white tie event.
22. Maia and Donald Farish and Elisabeth and Sune Lundin (left and center) attended the ball. They were pictured with Julie Jensen Bryan and her husband Robert Bryan (right). Julie served on the Program Book Committee.
23. Robert Marcin escorted Laura Hunt Jones to the Academy Ball.
24. Bill Swoope (left) joined Andrea Hemann and Mark Gallini during this year’s Academy Ball.
25. Sharon Jones spent a considerable amount of time trying to teach Daniel Coates dance steps.
25. (From left) Mike Deceene, Craig Hamilton, Alison Grove and Eric Weingard said hello to Bridget and Jay Devine during the Academy Ball.
26. Guests dancing to the music provided by a CTO Uptown band included (left) Andrea Girard, Lee Kernen and Holly Porter.
