The New World Symphony took over the Gusman Center on Valentine’s eve presenting Vivace: “Great Loves of the Silver Screen” better known as “catnip for romantics.” Brilliant musical performances by the orchestra accompanied some of Hollywood’s most memorable movie scenes from love stories, starting with the Titanic anthem “My Heart Will Go On”. The handsome and charming, Academy Award-winning director, David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada, Marley & Me) served as emcee and made snarky and funny comments before and after each performance. For instance, Frankel proclaimed he was “King of the World” after the Titanic number and described Madame Bovary as “a film about frustrated peasant woman who slept around and then committed suicide- Perfect for Valentine’s Day.” Other favorite music and film clips included Dr. Zhivago and A Time for Us. Following the performances, guests many of whom channeled their inner Golden-Era film legend, crossed the street on a red carpet to the Alfred I. DuPont Building, which had been transformed into a 21st century speakeasy. A jubilant, energetic vibe permeated the entire evening. Attendees included Martin Rozenblum, Claudia Cisneros, Rita Cabasés, Gordon Myers, Lourdes & Timothy Collett, Lin and Sarah Arison, Neisen & Ana Kasdin, Howard & Mary Frank, Gerald & Jane Katcher, Mario & Lourdes de Armas, Woody and Judy Weiser, Matthew & Jennifer Buttrick, Stanley & Gala Cohen, Edward Shumsky & Sue Kronick, Adam & Chanin Carlin, Bob & Diane Moss, Jody Wolfe, Diane Sepler, Sheldon & Florence Anderson, Sari & Dr. Arthur Agatston, Beau Beasley, Anne Owen & Alan Roth, Vanessa & Gary Ressler, Lisa Schejola Kin & Jeffrey Akin and Irene & Rod Sintow, David Restainer & Sandra Hernandez, Florencia Ximenez-Marcos & Xavier Gonzalez, Orlando Gonzales, Marcia Martinez & Michael Laas, Aaron Resnick, Chad Turner and Alia Dia.
