JUNE SALON CHAIRS EXTRAORDINAIRE, CLAUDIA GRZYWACZ (left) and WANDA DALCIN
Posted by Sally Varricchione
Article and Photos by Sally Varricchione
“Oh What a Night” at the California Museum of Fine Art in Old Downtown Torrance, the sophisticated venue of the June Salon! No ‘June Gloom’ here as PCLAP members and their guests enjoyed a dazzling duo piano performance by artists Mona Wu DeCesare and Edward Francis. Seated on two benches positioned in front of a beautiful Steinway grand piano, these consummate musicians enchanted and dazzled their audience with classical pieces by Gabrile Faure and Franz Schubert, as well as three ‘toe-tappin’ Rags by Scott Joplin. Their grand finale, “Dizzy Fingers”, exhorted gasps and cheers from a ‘dizzied’ audience.
Vice-President, Hospitality Chair Claudia Grzywacz and Vice-Chair Wanda Dalcin deserve hearty BRAVI for stepping ‘outside the Salon Box’ and planning an innovative evening program presented at a unique and beautiful South Bay art gallery. Dali and Brian Higa, owners of the gallery, were warmly welcoming and gracious hosts.
l-r Brian Higa, Marge Schmit, Marion Ruth, Dali Higa
Pianists Edward Francis and Mona Wu DeCesare
Featured Gallery Sculpture
PCLAP members and their guests checked in, and were invited to enjoy a sumptuous pre-concert repast, enhanced by pourings of “happiness” by genial ‘bartrendesses’ Ginny Erxleben and Provisional Linda Whitson.
Provisionals Carla Farrell, Cheryl Litrenta, and Chair Wanda Dalcin warmly greeted members and guests.
Dispensers of “Happiness”, Linda and Virginia.
Long-Time, ‘Super Star’ Members and Supporters of the Peninsula Committee Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra enjoy a STELLAR Evening!
Vice-President, Programs, Darlene Vlasek and husband Jim
Ann Carley (‘Pretty in Pink’!), Husband Jim, Winnie Martin, and Kathy Keller.
Grand Salon Auction Chair, Marian Hall, Jane Beseda, Ann Marinovich, Linda Whitson
‘Lucky Lou’ Varricchione standing with Lovely Ladies Ellen Moses, Joyce Fein, Vice President, Hospitality Claudia Grzywacz (Fedora Fashionista!), and Jane Beseda
Enjoying pre-concert moments are Professional Member Kristen Hetzer, Pianist Edward Francis, stylin’ a red shirt and musical tie, his wife Barbara, and friend Li. Barbara and Li had come from Pasadena to attend our event. And aren’t the paintings striking?
It was a tug at my heart being so far away. Great idea Sally. Arnold and I both ejoyed the update,though wish we’d been there..Sob,Sob. Malinda
The South Bay is so fortunate to have the Higas and their support of music and art.
Thank you Sally, Claudia, Wanda and all the ladies of the LA Phil Peninsula Committee. And a special thank you to the musicians Edward and Mona. You guys rock.
Brian and Dali
It was the best of the best! There was something for everybody and whoever missed it will never know. Love you, Darlings, but you shoulda’ been there!!!
Thank you Sally for the enthusiastic write-up(merited) and the pix. AND thank you Wanda and Claudia!
Joyce Block-Miller
Excellent, Sally! Thanks for the great memories of this unique Salon. Claudia and Wanda did a wonderful job making it a special evening with many sensory delights.