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The San Francisco Conservatory of Music hosted its annual gala on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 in honor of alumnus Gordon Getty for his exceedingly generous support of the Conservatory. The gala was chaired by community leader Jan Buckley, with Benefactor Chair Tamara Fritz and a Gala Committee including such notable individuals as Deepa Pakianathan & Phil Pemberton, Teresa & Mark Medearis, Ann & Robert Zerbst, and John & Marcia Goldman, among many others.

The evening began with a cocktail reception in the Atrium, followed by a program of beautiful music and an outstanding performance with special guest appearances by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Jake Heggie, Robin Sutherland, Marnie Breckenridge, Lisa Delan, and Emil Miland. Event Chair Jan Buckley graciously stepped in to host the program on behalf of renowned artist and singer Frederica von Stade as she was seriously ill and unable to perform. As a tribute to Mr. Getty, who was in attendance for the evening, the program included a number of pieces composed by Mr. Getty himself, including The Homework Suite, performed by Pianist Robin Sutherland, and the up-tempo “I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed” performed by soprano Lisa Delan. Other performances included George Gershwin’s Summertime, performed by Marnie Breckenridge, and Jake Haggie’s own Final Monologue, performed by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

The evening concluded with an elegant seated dinner in the grand tent provided by McCall Associates and designed by Robert Fountain Event Designs. The many notable guests in attendance, including Nancy & Joachim Bechtle, Denise Hale, Fred Levin & Nancy Livingston, Board Chair Lisa Miller, Carol & Dixon Doll, and many others all buzzed with excitement over the outstanding performance and enchanting evening of music at the Conservatory.