La Jolla Music Society SummerFest’s ‘White Nights’

The La Jolla Music Society SummerFest’s “White Nights” Gala took place Aug. 11 at the new Wallace Cunningham-designed home of Jean and Gary Shekhter in Rancho Santa Fe.

The Russian-themed gala, co-chaired by Elaine Darwin and Marina Pastor, included a cocktail reception with a caviar bar, vodka bar sponsored by St. Petersburg® Vodka and exclusive pairings by Montesquieu Wines.

Following a concert of Chamber music works by Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky, guests were escorted to a sophisticated seated dinner with SummerFest artists Cho-Liang Lin, Jeremy Denk, Yura Lee, Paul Neubauer and John Bruce Yeh.

Dinner featured a Russian-inspired menu curated by Gala co-chairs and Chef Jeffrey Strauss of Pamplemousse Grille. Closing the evening, guests enjoyed treats provided by Sprinkles Cupcakes while dancing to tunes by DJ/MC Ron J. Jones. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the education and artistic programs of La Jolla Music Society.

Photos/Jon Clark