Pacific SymphonyÂ's 2012 Gala Set for 5/19

Pacific Symphony's 2012 gala whisks guests back in time to La Belle Époque, a joyous time in cultural history-turn-of-the-century France. The sensuous and gregarious excitement of the Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergère abounds, as the evening of music, dancing and French-influenced cuisine takes place Saturday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Irvine at Jamboree Center.

Inspired by the Symphony's first concert opera, Puccini's "La Bohème," taking place in April, the Board of Directors invites patrons to revel in the joie de vivre, as they stroll through a snow-covered Parisian marketplace to find famous Bohemian artists Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec ready to paint their portraits, a Cirque d'Hiver ("Winter Circus"), can-can dancers, a champagne fountain and more 1890s surprises during the colorful cocktail reception. 

Guests are then ushered into the grand ballroom for a gourmet feast and cabaret show performed by dancers from UC Irvine's Department of Dance. Also, special guest soprano Valentina Fleer sings Musetta's Waltz from "La Bohème," accompanied by pianist David Clemenson. The evening culminates with a thrilling live auction, and guests dance the night away to the tunes of the J.T. (John Tu from Kingston Technology) and California Dreamin' band.

Valet service is hosted and attire is black tie or 1890s Parisian evening attire. Tables for the gala are $15,000-$100,000; individual tickets are $1,000. Repondez s'il vous plait (RSVP) by Monday, May 7, to Ricki Shab at (714) 876-2364 or rshab@pacificsymphony.org.