SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2013 7:00PM

Dinner, Wine Tasting & Auction

Black Tie Optional

Sheraton Society Hill

2nd & Walnut Streets, Philadelphia

BUY TICKETS

The evening features a variety of live and silent auctions, and captivating music. The event price includes a full dinner and wine, with a full cash bar. Auction items make unique gifts – perfect for those with discerning tastes – and range from weekend getaways, fine art, sports memorabilia and many more.

Valet parking at the Sheraton will be available at a discounted rate for this event.

2013 Honorees:

THEODORE AND RENÉE WEISS AWARD

Leland Kimball

Leland Kimball has directed over seventy productions, among them AIDA, TURANDOT, THE MAGIC FLUTE, LA BOHEME, LA TRAVIATA, the world premieres of A WRINKLE IN TIME (Libby Larsen), CHARLOTTE'S WEB (Charles Strouse), and THE HOBBIT. He recently directed the world premieres of SLAYING THE DRAGON (Michael Ching) and DANSE RUSSE (Paul Moravec) for CCOT, and will receive the company’s Theodore and Renee Weiss Award this year for achievement in developing new works. Three of the productions he directed for Temple University received national awards for best college production in the United States from the National Opera Association. This spring he will direct UN BALLO IN MASCHERA for Concert Opera Philadelphia.

An award-winning designer with a master's degree in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, Mr. Kimball received critical acclaim for his innovative sets for the world premiere of BILLY AND ZELDA (Tina Davidson), THE FACE ON THE BARROOM FLOOR and LA CENERENTOLA. Also a tenor, Mr. Kimball has performed leading roles in STIFFELIO, DON GIOVANNI, the world premiere of JOSHUA, and the American premiere of Lully's ALCESTE. Other companies he has been associated with include Opera Philadelphia, Washington Opera, Kentucky Opera, Providence Opera, and OperaDelaware, where he recently retired from his post as General Director. Having studied and performed at the acclaimed Studio Theater in Washington, D.C., Mr. Kimball has taught acting for singers at the University of the Arts and the University of Delaware. He also teaches a course in introduction to the performing arts for Wilmington University.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD

Dr. Harold R. Kurtz

President, Synergy Educational Consultants, LLC Harold Kurtz retired from public education after thirty-six years serving as a teacher, principal and superintendent of schools. He is the Founder and President of Synergy Educational Consultants, an LLC set up to help develop, design and open new charter schools in Pennsylvania. His firm also provides on-going support for many schools throughout the state.  He is committed to providing educational alternatives for students and parents. Dr Kurtz received his Bachelors and Masters degrees at Temple University and his Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. He is active on the national and international level with Odyssey of the Mind and serves as a volunteer in the role of State Director for New Jersey and as the Treasurer of Creative Opportunities Unlimited. He is a founding board member of CCOT. One of his passions is travel and he has travelled extensively throughout the world.[/p]

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ARTIST AWARD

Christopher Lorge, Tenor

Christopher Lorge (Camden, NJ) has appeared as a soloist for numerous ensembles in New Jersey, as well as with the Ocean City Pops Orchestra. The 2012-2013 is his third with Center City Opera Theater. Previous roles include Ferrando in Così Fan tutte, Rodolfo in La Bohème, Stravinsky in Danse Russe, and Jerry Krieg in the world premiere of Michael Ching’s Slaying the Dragon. Upcoming engagements include Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Gulf Coast Symphony in Fort Myers, FL and Alfredo in La Traviatawith CCOT.