2011 Candlelight Concert

This time of year you might have silver bells on the mind, but at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, it was a silver anniversary. On December 2nd, the Center celebrated its 25th year with the 2011 Candlelight Concert, bringing Broadway star Kristen Chenoweth to the stage along with rock and roll legend Frankie Valli. Seen as the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season here in Orange County, the concert brought the audience to their feet (right to the dancefloor) and raised over a million dollars for the Center.

After a cocktail reception, which also included a caviar tasting and rose-framed mirrors throughout Segerstrom Hall’s second level, guests were heralded by trumpets and ushered by Cartier bellboys to enter the hall, which was transformed from a 3,000 seat theatre to a multi-tiered ballroom. Chandeliers hung on both sides of the stage and above the guests, an installation of crystals glittered like the night sky.

Kristin Chenoweth

Broadway star and frequent supporter of the Center Kristin Chenoweth performed hits from her career on stage (Wicked’s “Popular” and “For Good”) along with selections from her albums and traditional Christmas carols like “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and “Come on Ring These Bells.” After her performance, a surprise from Flash Mob of America gave revelers a chance to enjoy an impromptu selection from Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Guests were seated with a dinner from Patina Restaurant Group, which operates the Center’s own Leatherby’s Café Rouge, and just about everyone enjoyed a chocolate bar courtesy Chocolates a la Carte. With truffles that ranged from Belgian milk chocolate to lavender citrus honey and salted caramel, there was plenty to try alongside the Godiva White Russian cocktails that accompanied the second performance. Guests took to the dance floor when rock icon Frankie Valli performed favorites like “Sherri,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Can’t Take my Eyes Off of You.” The night not only raised 1.3 million dollars for the Center’s artistic and education programs, but also honored the Candlelight Concert Committee’s Dee Higby, Elizabeth Segerstrom and Betty Huang with gifts from Cartier and rounds of applause from the entire auditorium for their tireless work with the concert.

Ruth Ann Evans and Sandy Segerstrom Daniels

“These individuals have been at the forefront of building this institution and setting the stage for our success,” said Larry Higby, Center Board Chairman, “With their collective leadership and guidance, they have been essential to thismilestone in our history… getting us where we are today. The benefits they have brought theCenter and this community are without limit.”

S.L. and Betty Huang

For more information on the Segerstrom Center for the arts, visit their official web site at www.scfta.org.

Like Haute Living Orange County? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingOC. Want Haute Living Orange County delivered to your inbox once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.