Music Academy fundraising Cabaret returns after 1-year hiatus

August 13, 2009 7:35 AM

After a one-year hiatus the Cabaret gala fundraising event, benefiting the Music Academy of the West, returns for its 62nd summer festival.

Tonight at 5:30 p.m., the Cabaret will be held in the Plaza de Sol of Fess Parker's DoubleTree Resort. In addition to cocktails, dinner, and a live auction, the gala will feature 23 talented young singers from the Music Academy's voice program. They will be performing a variety of popular songs from both screen and stage. During this evening's program, world-renowned mezzo-soprano, Marilyn Horne, who is also the Music Academy voice program director, will be honored.

Gerald Sternbach, who made his Los Angeles Philharmonic debut in 2005 and has extensive performance credits including serving as an accompanist for Carol Burnett; John Lithgow; and Kelsey Grammer oversee tonight's events.

For the first time at a Cabaret fundraising event, Stephen Singleton and Judith Getto will be serving as co-chairs. Mr. Singleton, a resident of Santa Barbara for 30 years, is a longtime community volunteer and fund raiser who actively participates in the Music Academy's Compeer and relationship management program. Ms. Getto, an educator, has served on boards and chaired in fundraising efforts for Childrens Hospital in Los Angeles, Larkin Street Youth Services in San Francisco, and youth programs in Harlem and also served as the Bay Area coordinator for Johns Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth.

The Music Academy of the West, founded in 1947, is ranked at one of the top summer schools and festivals for young, classical musicians. Admission to the academy is strictly merit-based and the students receive full-scholarships that include tuition, room and board. Graduates of the Academy go on to be members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties across the globe.

Single tickets are available for $300 and table sponsorships are available for $5,000 and $10,000. All proceeds go to the Music Academy's full-scholarship program.