California Symphony’s 2025 Gala Viva Las Symphony!

This year, the Walnut Creek-based California Symphony hosted its annual benefit gala at Berkeley’s iconic Claremont Hotel on April 5. Titled Viva Las Symphony!, the swank soiree hosted by Donato Cabrera, Artistic and Music Director offered lucky attendees the chance to mix and mingle at a vintage Vegas-themed night of glitz, glamour and timeless music. The proceeds from the event will go to support the California Symphony’s musicians and its music education initiatives, including the Young American Composer-in-Residence program and the nationally recognized Sound Minds program for underserved local students.

The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour, then guests enjoyed a 3-course gourmet dinner with wine pairings. Fundraising continued with a fund-a-need paddle raise and live auction. The soundtrack for the elegant dinner was provided by California Symphony musicians Anne Ranzani, principal bassoon, and Marc Shapiro, principal keyboard. After dinner, guests tried their luck at the casino tables and enjoyed live music provided by Jason Marquez and the Sin City Trio, flown in directly from Las Vegas for the night.