Pacific Symphony Brings “Requiem” to Meng Hall

MAMM Support Group Hosts Gala to Benefit Performing Arts

November 7, 2007

By Gail Matsunaga

‘Heaven’ will greet guests of “Angels Among Us,” a late afternoon concert and evening gala Sunday, Nov. 11, to benefit Cal State Fullerton’s performing arts.

Presented by the MAMM Alliance for the Performing Arts, the fundraising event will star the Pacific Symphony — under the baton of Carl St. Clair — with the Pacific Chorale, who will perform Mozart’s “Requiem” and other works. Following the program in Meng Hall, the Jazz Ensemble will lead patrons to dinner to the strains of “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

Angels/ushers will welcome guests to the Titan Student Union, which will be transformed into heaven, thanks to lights and magic conceived and created by gala chairs Kate Peters (M.M. ’79), Doug Simao and Brite Ideas Inc.

“On this 50th year celebration, we proudly recognize the birth of the Pacific Symphony as one of the distinguished moments in our young history,” says Jerry Samuelson, dean of the College of the Arts, in the program’s notes.

Between courses, students from the Theatre and Dance and Music departments will perform scenes and numbers from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Spamalot” (“He is Not Dead Yet”), “Carousel” (“You’ll Never Walk Alone”) and “Candide” (“Make Our Garden Grow”).

Special honorees Mary Moore and Mary Lyons will be feted during the black tie-optional evening for their contributions to the performing arts at Cal State Fullerton and the community. In addition, three one-of-a-kind ‘experiences’ will be auctioned, including: a visit to the “Desperate Housewives” set and lunch with creator Marc Cherry (B.A. theatre arts ’95); and tickets to Opera Pacific’s “The Magic Flute” featuring Rod Gilfry (B.A. music ’81) plus a private reception with the Titan baritone following his performance.

Named in memory of arts patron Marcy Arroues Mulville, the MAMM Alliance for the Performing Arts was founded in 2006 to underwrite special guest artists, plays and performances, to support programs, and to underwrite special equipment or instruments for the CSUF College of the Arts. The Alliance presented its inaugural fundraiser in January, “An Evening With Carol Channing,” starring Broadway legend Carol Channing.

Tickets for the concert only are still available and can be purchased by calling 278-3371, or online at fullerton.edu/arts/events.