The Newport Harbor Yacht Club was the setting for the Hutchins Consort’s annual fundraising celebration, entitled “Islands in the Sun.” More than 135 guests enjoyed robust silent and live auctions, a “musical island adventure” concert and dinner. Event Chair Suzy Casey was pleased to report that the event raised net proceeds of $31,000 for the organization.
In a unique twist to the usual Honorary Chair position, a collection of notable “Island Chieftains” were in attendance, representing isles from throughout the world including some in our own backyard. These included Howard and Roberta Ahmanson (Mackinac Island), Bill and Fay Amneus (Kauai), Betty Andrews (Catalina), Seymour Beek (Balboa Island), Warren Coy (New Zealand), Barry and Ellie Faber (Catalina), Stan and Jane Grier (San Lucia), Dr. Jack and Marena Larson (the San Juans), Winnie Smith (Shaw Island), and Howard and Judy Jelinek (New Zealand).
The Hutchins Consort, lead by Artistic Director Joe McNalley, is the only professional ensemble in the world performing on eight acoustically matched violins designed and crafted by the famed luthier Dr. Carleen Hutchins. Ranging from a tiny treble violin – tuned one octave above the standard violin – to a gigantic contrabass violin, their combination spans the entire tonal range of written music.
The Consort presents a regular series of concerts in both San Diego and Newport Beach. For more information and concert calendar, visit www.hutchinsconsort.org.
