Pasadena Symphony and POPS Moonlight Sonata {Pasadena event photographer}

So happy I could shoot this event for the second year in a row.   Pasadena's landmark City Hall was the glorious setting for the Pasadena Symphony and POPS.  annual Moonlight Sonata Gala.

If you haven't attended one of their performances, you need to put that on your "must see" list.  In the Fall through the Spring season the Symphony plays at The Ambassador Auditorium, and in the summer the POPS plays at the Arboretum.  And don't forget their Holiday Candlelight Concerts held at another Pasadena landmark, All Saints Church.  

The Moonlight Sonata Gala began in the courtyard of City Hall with a Silent Auction display.  Guests arrived dressed up in their finest and sipped cocktails and ate passed hors d'oeuvres.  Students from the Pasadena Youth Orchestra serenaded everyone as they walked through the archways to their dinner tables set up in Centennial Square.

Music Director David Lockington hosted and had the honor of introducing the Gala Luminaries:  Women's Committee of the Pasadena Symphony Association, Northern Trust and Philanthropist Margaret Sedenquist.  

The Illusionist, David Kwong, entertained and "wowed" the guests while they dined on a delicious dinner by Claud Beltran of Claud & Co and sipped wines by Michero Family Wine Estates.

A rousing Live Auction had me running from table to table to keep up with all the bidding.  That's a good problem when people are vying to spend more money to support this incredible organization!

After all that excitement then came the opportunity drawing of a $5,000 shopping spree from Hing Wa Lee Jewelers.

After another fundraising push to support the Pasadena Youth Orchestra, Tony Galla and The Usual Suspects sang and performed songs from the Great American Songbook.   There was lots of dancing not only by the professionals, but also by the guests who demonstrated some pretty stylish moves.

This kind of event doesn't happen unless you have a talented event and planning committee as well as generous sponsors.  This is why I love my city!  A big thanks to all of them too.  

What a beautiful and magical evening of music, lights, food and glamour!