Attendees of the 33rd annual May Pops Spring Concert at the Windsor polo field enjoyed a musical fiesta that once again featured the Brevard Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Christopher Confessore to benefit the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation.
This year’s Cinco de Mayo-themed event featured a sumptuous buffet luncheon for VIP ticket holders, who dined within rows of cabanas at the northern end of the field, while general admission concertgoers gathered behind a white picket fence on the southern end of the field for a more casual, picnic-style engagement.
Many men continued the tradition of wearing colorful, polka dotted or striped bowties in honor of the late Dick Post, who had a penchant for them. Dick and Helen Post created the signature event more than three decades ago and served as the presenting sponsors until recently.
“Your presence is a testament to the support of great music, is a testament to the support of a great community, and a testament of great belief and philanthropy toward the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital and the innovative and life-saving care they provide,” said emcee Neal Watkins before introducing CCIR Foundation executive director Roxanne Hall and board chair Judy LaFage.
“This year Chase and Wendy Carey have kindly stepped forward as our presenting sponsors of May Pops. They have also championed the innovations that will be occurring in our emergency department by generously giving the lead gift to begin the campaign to renovate and expand our emergency service, increasing our emergency department by 33 percent,” said Hall.
Hall announced that in honor of Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Peter’s years of service, he had been invited to be the event’s guest conductor, one of his final acts before his departure from the hospital and the Vero Beach area.
After kicking things off, Peter turned the baton over to Maestro Confessore, whereupon the Brevard Symphony Orchestra enthralled everyone with an afternoon of musical enchantment. The orchestra was joined by guest soloists Scarlett Strallen and Hugh Panaro, who performed an assortment of much-loved Broadway musical hits.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
