A Tango Affair
The 62nd Annual Young Patronesses of the Opera Gala
It was “A Tango Affair” at the Hotel Colonnade in Coral Gables, when 200 arts lovers gathered for 62nd annual Young Patronesses of the Opera (YPO) gala. Thanks to benefactors Bunny Bastian, Trish and Dan Bell, and Swanee Di Mare, the evening raised funds for opera and music education in Miami Dade and Broward County. Ruby Bacardi and Anita Broad were Valen Tango sponsors.
Gail Piñon, YPO President 2017-2018, said “We are so grateful to our benefactors and to our guests for supporting the work of YPO. This year we will bring live opera performances to 20,000 elementary students, host a workshop for 100 Girl Scouts and present a continuing education workshop for Miami Dade County Public School teachers. Proceeds from “A Tango Affair” make those programs possible.”
“A Tango Affair” was organized by a committee of YPO members who were directed by Piñon and Gala Chairs Mary Beth Burke, Carolina Friedhoff, Eeva Kulovaara and Bea Schmied. The highlight of the evening was the performance of Tango Axis, the professional dance duo Mariela Barufaldi and Jeremias Massera. Guests crowded around the dance floor, spellbound by their virtuosity and passion. Graham Fandrei, director of the Magic City Opera, dazzled guests with his rendition of Sinatra classics.
