The Florida Orchestra Gala Event 2016
The Florida Orchestra’s annual Gala Event is the biggest fundraiser in all of St. Petersburg. Thomas Bruce Studio is proud to have been chosen as the photographers to cover this incredibly prestigious event for 2016.
Held at the beautiful Mahaffey Theatre on Saturday, January 30th, the event featured a performance by the legendary Michael Feinstein, the multi-platinum-selling, two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated entertainer dubbed “The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook.” Michael “is considered one of the premier interpreters of American standards” and his performance at the Mahaffey was no less than spectacular as he joined new Music Director Michael Francis for the crowning celebration of his inaugural season. Maestro Francis has woven an American thread through his inaugural season and this performance was perfectly accented by Feinstein’s American songbook repertoire.
Guests were first treated to a champagne cocktail hour, then escorted into the theater for the concert. Afterwards, they dined in an stunning atmosphere with dinner provided by Cafe’ Ponte. Last years event which featured Yo-Yo Ma raised nearly a half-million dollars in support of the Orchestra and this years Gala was predicted to have surpassed that amount!
Two very special guests helped entertain for the evening- Marilyn and Charlie!
After his performance, Michael Feinstein visited each dinner table and graciously took photos and chatted with the guests.
A quartet of Florida Orchestra musicians entertained during cocktail hour.
“Shadow dancers” also provided entertainment during the champagne cocktail hour.
A warm Florida Orchestra greeting.
Team TBS hard at work!
Maestro Michael Francis greeted guests.