Silver Soirée Fundraiser & Gala
Join us for an enchanting evening of music and celebration as Meistersingers marks its 25th anniversary season! The Silver Soiree Fundraiser & Gala promises to be a night of artistic excellence, heartfelt tributes, and communal support for the choral arts in Orange County.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Reception 5:30 PM - Dinner 6:30 PM
The Pacific Club
4110 MacArthur Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Event Highlights
25th Anniversary Celebration: Under the masterful direction of Dr. Brian Dehn, Artistic Director, Meistersingers commemorates a quarter-century of musical excellence and community impact.
Celebrating Academic Achievement: We proudly recognize Dr. Brian Dehn's recent accomplishment of earning his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree from Claremont Graduate University. This achievement further cements Dr. Dehn's expertise and dedication to advancing choral music.
Honoring Lucy Dunn: We pay tribute to Lucy Dunn, a pillar of our organization and champion of Orange County. From helping establish our non-profit to lending her voice as an alto and providing invaluable support as a donor and advisor, Lucy's contributions have been instrumental in shaping Meistersingers.
Captivating Performances: Delight in exquisite renditions of art songs and arias by members of Meistersingers, accompanied by the talented pianist Kevin Jeffries-Phan.
Support the Arts: Your participation helps sustain our mission of sharing the gift of music, supporting emerging artists, and enriching our community through the power of choral art.
Details
Dress Code: Black Tie Optional
Please RSVP by October 25, 2024
Silent auction items will be available for bidding throughout the reception
Vegetarian and gluten-free meal options available upon request
Honoring Lucy Dunn
Lucy Dunn has been a cornerstone of Meistersingers since its inception. Her unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in shaping our organization into what it is today. As a founding member, Lucy played a crucial role in establishing Meistersingers as a non-profit, leveraging her extensive experience in community leadership and business acumen.
Lucy's contributions extend far beyond her administrative support. As an alto in our ensemble, she has lent her voice to countless performances, embodying the passion and artistry that Meistersingers represents. Her dual role as both a performer and a behind-the-scenes champion showcases her deep commitment to the choral arts.
Throughout the years, Lucy has been an invaluable advisor, guiding Meistersingers through its growth and evolution. Her insights, drawn from her vast experience in Orange County's business and cultural landscape, have helped steer our organization towards sustainable success and community impact.
As a generous donor, Lucy has consistently supported our mission financially, enabling us to pursue ambitious projects, support emerging talents, and bring the joy of choral music to diverse audiences across Orange County.
We are profoundly grateful for Lucy's multifaceted contributions and are honored to celebrate her at this year's Silver Soirée. Her legacy within Meistersingers is a testament to the power of passionate individuals in nurturing and elevating the arts in our community.
-
LUCY DUNN
Strategic Issues Management
As CEO Emeritus, Orange County Business Council, Lucy Dunn retired year-end 2021 after leading for 16 years a dynamic membership organization of business leaders, working with academia and government, to ensure the region’s economic prosperity and high quality of life.
Before joining OCBC, she was the first woman president of the Building Industry Association of Southern California and officer of the California Building Industry Association in its 80-year history. She served as Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development under Governor Schwarzenegger, who also appointed her to the California Transportation Commission in 2008. Governor Jerry Brown reappointed her two more terms.
Failing so far at retirement, Dunn currently serves as the “Business Representative” for Southern California Association of Governments’ Regional Council, as member of CSUF’s Presidents Advisory Board, trustee of UCI Foundation, vice-chair of the Orange Catholic Foundation where she was honored with the Bishop’s Award for Exemplary Leadership. She’s an advisory board member of California Women Lead, serves on OC United Way’s “United to End Homelessness” advisory board, and is a founding member of Lennar’s Homeful Foundation, dedicated to ending homelessness. Dunn founded the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, advocating good practices for wetlands restoration and education. In 2022, Lucy received the prestigious California Homebuilding Foundation’s “Hall of Fame” award for lifetime achievement in housing advocacy. In 2024, Cal-State Fullerton’s DeGraaf Center for Oral and Public History honored Dunn for her contributions to Orange County’s Political Legacy.
OC Register named her as one of “Orange County’s 100 Most Influential.” The Endangered Habitats League honored her for her work advancing protection of habitat and cultural resources, while providing for South Orange County mobility options. Orange County Business Journal named her one of OC’s 500 most influential.
In addition, she cantors at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Irvine, sings with Meistersingers and Meritage vocal ensembles, and is the proud mother of two sons with accomplished daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren residing in the Bay Area.
Celebrating Dr. Brian Dehn
We are thrilled to celebrate a monumental achievement for our esteemed Artistic Director, Dr. Brian Dehn, who recently earned his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from Claremont Graduate University. This significant milestone reflects not only his exceptional dedication to the art of choral music but also his continuous pursuit of excellence in both performance and education.
Dr. Dehn’s commitment to refining his craft has always been evident in his work with Meistersingers, and his DMA brings an even greater depth of expertise and insight to our ensemble. Under his leadership, Meistersingers has flourished, delivering performances that resonate deeply with audiences while maintaining the highest artistic standards. His advanced studies have enriched his approach to choral direction, allowing us to explore new musical horizons and present even more compelling and innovative programming.
As we celebrate Dr. Dehn’s academic success, we also recognize the profound impact he has had on Meistersingers over the past 25 years. His leadership, artistry, and passion for music have shaped not only the ensemble’s identity but also the individual growth of countless singers. This latest achievement marks a new chapter in his remarkable journey, and we look forward to the exciting future of Meistersingers under his inspired direction.
We are immensely proud of Dr. Dehn and look forward to seeing his continued influence on both Meistersingers and the wider choral community.
Support Meistersingers
Your attendance and support at the Silver Soirée directly contribute to:
Scholarship programs for emerging vocal talents
Community outreach concerts
Commissioning new choral works
For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact:
tickets@meistersingers.org
About Meistersingers:
Founded in 2000, Meistersingers has been a beacon of choral excellence in Orange County for over two decades. Committed to high standards in musicality and literature, we perform in venues that hold special significance to our community and complement the beauty of our music.
Meistersingers believes in the profound impact of choral music on the human spirit. Our dedicated singers strive to deliver truly inspiring performances while also nurturing the next generation of artists through composition competitions and scholarships.
Join us for an unforgettable evening that celebrates our past, honors our supporters, and looks forward to a future filled with harmony and artistic growth. Your presence and support will help ensure that the transformative power of choral music continues to touch lives in Orange County and beyond.