Carol Henry, a beloved philanthropist whose extraordinary generosity has touched numerous arts organizations in Los Angeles, will be celebrated by L.A.’s glitterati at Camerata Pacifica’s sparkling gala on Friday, May 19, 2023, at Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles.
Camerata Pacifica is considered one of the nation’s leading chamber ensembles. It has captivated, delighted, and enthralled audiences with its adventurous music since its inception in 1990
The gala will see Vibiana transformed into a palace of baroque splendor for an unforgettable evening of dazzling entertainment with Venezuelan-born male soprano superstar Samuel Mariño headlining a performance of baroque favorites with musicians of Camerata Pacifica, just days after his highly anticipated U.S. debut with the ensemble. Guests will also savor a gourmet dinner and fine wines. The black-tie optional gala has been completely underwritten so revenues from tickets and donations will directly benefit Camerata Pacifica, considered one of the nation’s leading chamber ensembles and celebrated for its adventurous programming.
“Carol Henry has been a pillar of support for music across the Southland,” says Camerata Pacifica Artistic Director Adrian Spence. “She is an avid concertgoer and arts booster who is incredibly passionate about the arts. She has served on the boards of numerous arts organizations, and regularly opens her Pasadena home for fundraisers and arts events. Carol, along with her late husband, Warner Henry, has generously supported local music organizations large and small for more than 40 years, making her an invaluable part of LA’s cultural fabric.”
Carol Henry earned both Bachelor and Masters of Arts in education from Stanford University and taught in the Manhattan Beach school system until 1966 when she married Warner Henry. Carol’s volunteer career began with her involvement with the Junior League of Los Angeles in 1970. Since then, she has served on numerous community boards, including KCET Women’s Council, The National Council on Alcoholism, Cate School, Teach for America, Los Angeles Opera League, Pasadena Art Alliance and Art Center College of Design. Additionally, she has been a member of the Board of LA Opera since 1985 and served as president or chairman of the Executive Committee since 2005. On the Opera Board, she has also chaired the Development, Patron, Nominating and 20th Anniversary committees.
Samuel Mariño has been hailed as “a rarity in opera” (New York Times). His unique, brilliant, and agile voice, paired with his musical expertise, enable him to undertake the most demanding forms of the classical vocal repertoire. Born in 1993, he began his studies in piano and voice at the National Conservatory in Caracas, also studying ballet at the National School of Dance in Venezuela. His first operatic experience was with the Camerata Barroca in Caracas, where he had the opportunity to work with conductors such as Gustavo Dudamel, Helmuth Rilling, and Theodore Kuchar. It was there that his passion and affinity for the baroque repertoire was ignited, inspiring him to further his studies at the Conservatoire de Paris. He is currently closely mentored by the renowned soprano Barbara Bonney and the recipient of a scholarship by the Rotary Club of Salzburg. At his young age, Samuel Mariño has already portrayed some of the most monumental roles in baroque and classical opera and oratorio, including works by Monteverdi, Handel, Porpora, Vivaldi, Hasse, Mozart, and Salieri.
Camerata Pacifica’s gala’s leadership gift was provided by Eva and Marc Stern. The performances are underwritten by Jerry and Terri Kohl. The design and décor are underwritten by Alyce Williamson.
The Planning Committee includes Chair Jennifer Diener and members William T. Kennedy, Kali Kopley Henry, John Nuckols, Nancy Sanders, Eric Small, Kimberley Valentine, and Alyce Williamson. The Celebration Committee members are Lynn Booth, Janet Ciriello, Alice Coulombe, Annette Ermshar, Georgianna Erskine, Connie Gavin, Joan H. Hotchkis, Terri Kohl, Diane Morton, Eva Stern, and Geneva Thornton.
For gala tickets ($1,500/person) and information, call (805) 884-8410 or visit www.cameratapacifica.org. Vibiana is located at 214 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90012.
