One Inspired Evening:

Wainwright House, the oldest non-sectarian learning center in the country, was alive with music October 26

 

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Wainwright House, the oldest non-sectarian learning center in the country, was alive with music October 26. The occasion was the Rye organization’s annual celebration of life. Hundreds of guests arrived in festive finery and a medley of masks for “A Masquerade.”

Who were those masked men and women? Staunch supporters of this blessed nonprofit, one and all.

The highlight of the evening was the performance of a selection of Italian opera arias by two students, one a graduate of Mannes College in Manhattan. “Bravas” were followed by long and admiring applause.

It turned out that the evening was not only a fundraiser, but also a special preview of The Mannes Music Salon Series at Wainwright, which commences December 7.

The benefit committee, chaired by Sheila Cutner and Jerry Havlin, deserves another round of applause.

Before heading off for one more look at the silent auction and the dancing inside, the entire board took time to thank and recognize retiring board member and former president Ann Gaillard for her years of service to Wainwright.

 

— Photos by Anja Porto