Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Philharmonic celebrates with music and a romantic mood

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000 | 9:12 a.m.

Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at elizabethfoyt@prodigy.net.

The Las Vegas Philharmonic recently held the premiere soiree of its Connoisseur Series at the home of patrons Wendy and Richard Plaster. This special evening at the Plasters' exquisite property in Tournament Hills was the first of its kind to be held in Las Vegas and was generously sponsored by Cezar Espinosa and Jean Henano, representing the famed French art-glass company Lalique. Prior to the performance by Igor Kipnis and Karen Kushner, guests enjoyed a relaxing round of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the candle-lit, quite romantic atmosphere.

For their piano recital, the legendary Igor Kipnis and partner Karen Kushner selected musical compositions created for duets. The delightful evening was enhanced by their informal commentary which prefaced each segment of the performance. Gathered for this first soiree were sixty guests, among them Lia and Joseph Roberts, M.J. and Jack Harvey, Lynn and Bill Weidner, Diane Hart, Lloyd and Noel Heslip, Rena and Philip Kantor and Lydia and Dan Soriano as well as Rob and Sheryl Goldstein, Patty and Tom Stava, Karen and Kevin Kass, Jim King with Kaaren Thomas and Robert and Phyllis Reaney. Paul and Mary Ann Steelman will host the next soiree in this lovely series on March 22, with necessary reservations and details by calling 258-5438.

Also on the horizon for the Las Vegas Philharmonic during February are a series of concerts for music lovers of all ages. In presenting the Second Annual Youth Concert Series at UNLV's Artemeus Ham Hall on Feb. 16, 17 and 24, nearly ten thousand elementary students will enjoy a first taste of classical music. On Saturday, Feb. 26 at 8:00 p.m., the Las Vegas Philharmonic under the direction of Harold Weller with Russian guest pianist Vladimir Feltsman will perform Rachmaninov's 3rd Piano Concerto at Artemus Hall Hall. Also on the program will be John Adams' "Short Ride in a Fast Machine" and the 7th Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven. For ticket information call the UNLV box office at 895-2787.

Newton impresses

Wayne Newton's return to the Las Vegas Strip was well celebrated at the Stardust last week. Wayne's loyal fans, friends and the media gathered in force to fill the 1000 seat showroom which now bears his name. John Miner, executive vice president and general manager of the Stardust, was genial host for the evening and seen mingling easy with celebrity guests Lance Burton, Clint Holmes, Jim Stafford and Bill Acosta. Well-wishers were many, among them Mel and Marilyn Larson who arrived with the ever-youthful Ernest Borgnine who marked his 83rd birthday that evening. Others glimpsed in the throng included state Sen. Mike Schneider, Esther Lynn, Don and Dee Snyder, Terry Jenkins, Denny Weddle, Howard Jochsberger, Bob Boghner and Ray Borders as well as Nate Tannenbaum, Drs. Ted and Parvin Modaber-Jacobs, Papote Varet and Dr. George and Nancy Furhman of the University of Nevada -- School of Medicine.

Newton's full orchestra and half dozen singers joined him for the late-night reception in the Stardust ballroom where president/CEO Bill Boyd of Boyd Gaming Group gave formal welcome to his star performer. Adding their own touches were dignitaries including Commissioner Mary Kincaid and Councilman Gary Reese.

Puck dinner a success

The recent opening of Wolfgang Puck's Postrio in Las Vegas was an occasion which raised more than $700,000 for direct use in Alzheimer's Research. The very elegant affair at the Venetian found local supporters adding their strength to those of celebrities including Gregory Peck and his lovely bride Veronique, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Robin Leach, Angie Dickinson, Tom and Dick Smothers and Robert Mondavi.

The very select dinner committee of Larry Ruvo, Bobby Baldwin, Maddy Graves and Kenny Espstein is a close fraternity of individuals who seen the effects of Alzheimer's Disease as experienced by their own family members. Helping create the astonishingly successful auction for the evening were the Steering Committee with members Sandy Peltyn, Michael A. Severino, Donna Baldwin, Cheryl Fish, Janelle Radaff and Kimberly Gora. Luxury automobiles, a fantasy stay at Bellagio, exquisite private dinners prepared by world class chefs and still more were offered to the high bidders at this exclusive gathering for charity. Going for spectacular prices were two special dinners for 20 guests as prepared by Wolfgang Puck ($100,000), an unparallelled trip for two to Rome with luxury accommodations at the Bulgari Penthouse ($60,000 ) and an ultra-private breakfast at Tiffa ny's for sixteen guests ($20,000).

Sponsors and attending guests were plentiful and included Margo and Sig Rogich, Michael Katz of Mikimoto Pearls America, Davidoff Cigars, Jessica McClintok Designs, Billy Walters, Barbara Lazoroff, Lovee and Bob Arum, Dottie and Marvin Chanin of Hugo Boss, Jack and Nancy Weinstein of Tower of Jewels, George Maloof, Michelle Vespa of Bulgari, Canyon Ranch Resorts, Joe LaBrie of Remy Martin and Ralph Witsell of American Airlines. Postrio, host restaurant for the Alzheimer's Research Dinner, is the sister restaurant of the award-winning Postrio in San Francisco and the newest star in the crown of restaurants at the Venetian.

Moulin Rouge examined

The Nevada Women's History Project will salute Black History Month with a program chronicling the Moulin Rouge -- from inception to the present on Saturday. The brunch-time program, with Mary Gafford and Frankie Williams as presenters, will begin at 10am at Desert Pines Country Club, 3415 East Bonanza Road, near Bonanza and Pecos. Tickets for the event are $15 with advance reservations (457- 4577) a must.

"Van-addicts"

Diehard Van Morrison fans, Judge Jeffrey and Susan Sobel recently hosted a most pleasant preconcert reception for fellow "Van-addicts" at their Paradise Valley home. Susan, an American correspondent for Wavelength, a fan magazine devoted to Van Morrison and published in the United Kingdom, used the Internet to invite worldwide fans to the party last Saturday afternoon.

Morrison, a legendary Irish rocker who has enthralled audiences since the 1960s, had never before played Las Vegas. His initial announcement was for a single concert at Mandalay Bay's House of Blues, but the enormous response quickly led to a matinee concert at the same venue and ultimately a Friday evening performance in the Joint at the Hard Rock. Many of Sobols' guests made every effort to attend all three performances and wore favorite concert shirts from past Morrison tours. The party which spread through the house and onto the patio, had originally been planned for early evening, but was adjusted to mid-day when the matinee concert was added.

Guests enjoying the opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow "Van-addicts" included dentist Dr. Todd Kremple, veterinarian Dr. Dave Henderson and his wife Stephanie, Charles Cleveland of Partners Financial Group, his wife Elleve and senior associate Elizabeth Meinhold as well as Misty Chadwick, general manager of the Las Vegas Sports Club and longtime political activist Al Meinhold. Adding their own touches to the ongoing debates about Morrison and his music was Mike Fasso, foreign affairs editor of the St. Petersberg Times and Houston businessman Naveen Jaggi and his wife Anjou, an oncologist.

Burley elected

Robert W. Burley, owner, president and corporate broker of Financial Marketing Inc. (FMI), was recently elected to the presidency of CMG (Commercial Marketing Group). CMG is an organization of commercial real estate brokers and industry affliates. Founded over 10 years ago, their membership of 200 meets twice monthly to network, exchange information and provide professional programs of common interest.

Installation ceremonies for Burley were held during CMG's annual dinner dance gala, arranged recently by social chairman Sally Rycroft and held at Canyon Gate Country Club. Installed as well for year 2000 term of office were Ron McMememy (vice president), Angus MacEachern (treasurer) and Joseph McLaughlin (past president) and board directors David Crowell, Kathy Huang, Sal Leggio, June Cravens, Jerry Hagfeldt, Thomas Naseef, Rod Harbaugh, Dean Wilmore, Sally Rycroft, Tim Behrendt and Richard Lybbert. Outgoing president Joseph Laughlin led the ceremonies and welcomed guests.

The evening's keynote speaker, introduced by veteran realtor Shirley Rappaport, was Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. Speaking with vigor about his goals to revitalize our city's central core, Goodman was also enthusiastic about efforts to bring a pro sports team and cultural arts center from dream to reality within his tenure as mayor. Attending the fashionable event were Nancy and Andy Ashbaugh, Rita Quam, Torry Bullock, Jack Woodcock, Bob Potter, Vick Douglas, Carol Fine and Michael Belnik. Present as well were Jane and Skip Memmer, owner-creators of Property Line which hosts an internet site for the organization at www.Cmglv.com. Enjoying the evening as well were Bob Hart, founding member and past president Robert Weedon, Roger Unger, Chris White and Carol Clark.