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Un Gala in Maschera
A Virtual Benefit in Honor of Sheri Greenawald
Saturday April 10, 2021 at 5 pm
Merola invites you to join us for a sparkling evening honoring the inimitable Sheri Greenawald. From the comfort of your own home, you’ll revel in a professionally produced concert by an illustrious line-up of Merola alumni as we raise a glass to Sheri and thank her for everything she’s given to Merola and to the opera world.
If you are experiencing difficulty or would rather purchase your ticket by phone, please call Amy Kessler at (415) 936-2311.
Performances by Merola Alumni
Featured Artist:
Leah Crocetto (Merola '08), soprano
Highlighted Artists:
Amber R. Monroe (Merola '19), soprano
Ashley Dixon (Merola '15/'17), mezzo-soprano
Efraín Solís (Merola '13), baritone
Joo Won Kang (Merola '11), baritone
Christian Pursell (Merola '17), bass-baritone
Ronny Michael Greenberg (Merola '14), piano
Auctioneer:
Casey Candebat (Merola '12/'14), tenor
Sheri Greenawald
❝I hope all of you will consider participating in this essential fundraising event for the Merola Opera Program. I have been able to observe this institution step to the plate to help young singers in a way that is extraordinary. This is a company that puts its money where its mouth is...and that 'mouth,' is the mouth of many talented and important musicians whom Merola trains and supports. Merola IS the premier training program, with all the individual attention to the artists. All hail Merola!!❞
– Sheri Greenawald, Merola Artistic Director 2002-2020
Fund a Need
To honor the incomparable Sheri Greenawald, who recently retired after almost two decades as Merola's Artistic Director, the Un Gala in Maschera Fund a Need will benefit two of her passions. The Sheri Greenawald Endowment Fund (gifts of $500 and above) will create a permanent legacy that will provide support for Merola's distinguished faculty in perpetuity. The Sheri Greenawald Artists Support Fund (gifts under $500) will give direct support to the young artists in the 2021 Merola program by helping to fund their living stipends.
The Sheri Greenawald Endowment Fund
Help ensure Sheri's lasting impact with your gift of $500 or above! Contributions to the Sheri Greenawald Endowment Fund will support instruction by master teachers for Merola participants in perpetuity.
The Sheri Greenawald Artists Support Fund
Make a direct impact on the next generation of opera superstars! Your donation at this level will directly support stipends for our 2021 Merolini.
Lead Donors
Nordin and Donna Blacker
Jennifer and Chris Brahm
Alan and Sally Brudos
Barbara Bruser and Richard Clark
Annette Campbell-White and Dr. Ruediger Naumann-Etienne
Carlyn Clause and Alexander L. Brainerd
The Hon. Marie Bertillion Collins and Leonard Collins
Jayne and Peter Davis
Mary and Craig Henderson
David Hugle and Haggai Niv
Franklin and Catherine Johnson
Lawrence A. Kern
Karen J. Kubin
Bernice Lindstrom
Milton J. Mosk and Thomas E. Foutch
Drs. Richard and Pamela Rigg
Amy Roth and Robert Epstein
Jack and Betty Schafer
Barbara Moller Ward
Carol A. Weitz
Patrick Wilken and David Dickson
Diane B. Wilsey
Susan York
Stephen and Connie Zilles
Ticket Information
Premium Household Admission $125
✺ Admits one household
✺ All premium ticket buyers will receive an invitation to a special virtual event featuring Merola alumni later in 2021
Regular Household Admission $64
✺ Admits one household
✺ In honor of 64 years of training the future of opera
Young Patron Ticket $25
✺ Admits one household
✺ Available for attendees under age 40
Having trouble seeing the “Buy Tickets” button on this page? Check to see if all of your pop-up blockers are off.
Watch this video for some general troubleshooting tips.
If you are experiencing any difficulty or would rather purchase your ticket by phone, please call Amy Kessler at (415) 936-2311.
Leah Crocetto ('08), soprano
Amber R. Monroe ('19), soprano
Ashley Dixon ('15/'17), mezzo-soprano
Casey Candebat ('12/'14), tenor
Joo Won Kang ('11), baritone
Efraín Solís ('13), baritone
Christian Pursell ('17), bass-baritone
Ronny Michael Greenberg ('14), piano
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS CONCERT SPONSORS
Jennifer and Chris Brahm
Joo Won Kang and Amber R. Monroe
Janet Cluff
Christian Pursell
Margareta and Staffan Encrantz
Ronny Michael Greenberg
James Heagy
Leah Crocetto
Drs. Richard and Pamela Rigg
Leah Crocetto and Ashley Dixon
Terri and Bob Ryan
Efraín Solís
Merola Benefit Gala Menu
Our friends at Culinary Excellence have created these special meals to enjoy during Un Gala in Maschera. Meals may be purchased directly from Culinary Excellence and are separate from tickets to the event.
Contact Culinary Excellence for further information at
jessica@culinaryexcellence.com; (925) 947-1090; (510) 644-0612
Appetizer Duo
Your choice of any two appetizers. All orders include Chocolate Raspberry Tarts.
✺ Imported Charcuterie Platter, with Mustards, Cornichon, and Sliced Baguettes
✺ Northern California Cheese Platter with Pan de Higo Fig and Almond Cake, Dried Apricots, Grapes, and Artisan Crackers
✺ Mediterranean Platter with Hummus, Tzatziki, Dolmas, and Pita Chips
✺ Assortment of Sushi and Nigiri with Soy Sauce and Wasabi
Cost: $85 for 2 People
Full Dinner
Your choice of the entrees below. All orders include Potato Gratin Dauphinoise, Grilled Asparagus with Herbed Olive Oil, and Chocolate Raspberry Tarts.
✺ Filet Mignon of Beef Tenderloin and Jumbo Prawns with Merlot Demi-Glace
✺ Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass with Lemon Tarragon Sauce
✺ Vegetarian Portobello Mushroom Goat Cheese and Grilled Vegetable Stacks with Balsamic Reduction (can be made vegan upon request)
Cost: $150 for 2 People
The first 25 orders received by Culinary Excellence will include a special Hafner Vineyard wine gift pack (one bottle of red and one bottle of white).
*Meals delivered cold with warming instructions. Delivery fee based on location. Last day to order is April 7, 2021. Orders will be delivered on April 10 between 10am and 3pm (PT).
Contact Culinary Excellence for further information at
jessica@culinaryexcellence.com; (925) 947-1090; (510) 644-0612
Gift a Ticket to a Friend
Your additional ticket purchase makes a great gift for a music-loving friend or family member, and it’s a wonderful way to introduce someone to Merola.
✺ Click the “Buy Tickets” button above and select the desired ticket level and number of tickets you’d like to purchase.
✺ Enter your own name and payment information to complete the transaction.
✺ Contact the Merola office at (415) 936-2311 / akessler@merola.org with the gift ticket recipient name(s) and contact information so they’ll be registered as an attendee and receive event updates. Please send Merola all gift recipient information by Friday, April 9, 2021 at 12 pm PDT.
Having trouble seeing the “Buy Tickets” button on this page? Check to see if all of your pop-up blockers are off.
Watch this video for some general troubleshooting tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Virtual Gala?
Un Gala in Maschera is the online version of Merola’s annual Spring Benefit Gala. Since we can’t currently gather in-person, we’re bringing the party directly to you! You’ll enjoy all the entertainment of our traditional Benefit Gala from the comfort of your own home, including a special tribute to our beloved Sheri Greenawald.
2. How can I attend Un Gala in Maschera?
You can purchase your ticket by clicking here. You’ll receive an automatic confirmation from our partner, Accelevents.
You’ll receive your viewing information via email shortly before the event. All you’ll need to do then is click the link and join the party!
3. How long is the Virtual Gala?
Un Gala in Maschera will last approximately 90 minutes. All those who donate $2,500 or more to the Fund a Need, either in advance or the night of the event, can also attend a virtual after-party with artists on Zoom.
4. Do I have to be a Merola member to attend?
Anyone can purchase a ticket to Un Gala in Maschera. In fact, your ticket purchase will automatically be credited to Merola membership, so if you’re not a current Merola member, your attendance will make you one. Purchase of a Regular ticket ($64) or a Young Patron ticket ($25) entitles you to membership at the Basic level. Purchase of a Premium ticket ($125) entitles you to membership at the Founder level.
If you’re already a Merola member, the value of your ticket purchase will be applied to your existing membership credit.
5. Can I buy a ticket for someone else?
Absolutely! Your additional ticket purchase makes a great gift for a music-loving friend or family member, and it’s also a wonderful way to introduce someone to Merola.
✺Click the “Buy Tickets” button above and select the desired ticket level and number of tickets you’d like to purchase.
✺Enter your own name and payment information to complete the transaction.
✺Contact the Merola office at (415) 936-2311/akessler@merola.org with the gift ticket recipient name(s) and contact information so they’ll be registered as an attendee and receive event updates. Please send Merola all gift recipient information by Friday, April 9 at 12:00 PM (PDT).
6. When should I buy my ticket?
You can purchase your ticket right up to the day of the Benefit Gala, Saturday, April 10. However, we recommend you make your purchase at least several days beforehand so you don’t miss any event updates. If you register any time after Friday, April 9, or do not receive your viewing link by 10:00 am (PDT) on Gala day, please email info@merola.org for the link.
7. Having trouble seeing the “Buy Tickets” button on the Gala page?
Check to see if all of your pop-up blockers are off. Watch this video for some general troubleshooting tips.
8. How do I get to the event?
Un Gala in Maschera will stream on Vimeo. You can view the event on any device of your choice: desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphones. Merola will send you a viewing link prior to the event, which starts at 5:00 PM (PDT). Be sure to log in at 4:45 pm (PDT) for the pre-show, featuring music and special memories of Sheri!
9. Will other people be able to see me during the event?
No. The Gala itself is a one-way viewing experience, and you won’t be seen or heard. However, if you attend the Zoom after-party, you will be visible and audible.
10. How can I enhance the evening’s experience?
Our friends at Culinary Excellence have created these special meals to enjoy during Un Gala in Maschera. Meals may be purchased directly from Culinary Excellence and are separate from tickets to the event.
To set the party mood, why not hold a pre-or post-event party via Zoom or any other platform you prefer? You can gather with your friends or family who are also attending Un Gala in Maschera, don your chosen party attire, and raise a glass (virtual or otherwise) to honor Sheri!
11. Where can I follow Un Gala in Maschera on social media?
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your photos on social media and use the hashtags #MEROLAGALA and #MASCHERA2021
12. What is the Sheri Fund?
To honor Sheri Greenawald, this year’s Fund-a-Need will benefit two of her passions:
✺ The Sheri Greenawald Endowment Fund -- A permanent legacy in Sheri’s honor that will provide support for Merola distinguished faculty (gifts of $500 and above)
✺ The Sheri Greenawald Artists Support Fund -- A fund that will support a living stipend for the 2021 Merola young artists (gifts under $500)
13. Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes! Your donation is 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law. You’ll receive a written acknowledgment letter from Merola after the event for your tax purposes.
14. Do I have to attend the Gala to donate?
No – you may make a donation to the Sheri Fund before or after the event by clicking here or by contacting Amy Kessler at (415) 936-2311. You can also maximize your gift’s impact by asking your employer to match your donation.
15. How do I donate during the event?
On Gala night, there will be three ways you can submit donations to the Fund a Need:
✺ Give by Click: click the “Pledge” button (located below the concert video) to make a donation.
✺ Give by Text: use your phone to text (817) 697-7938 with the Fund a Need item’s three letter code (END for the Sheri Greenawald Endowment Fund and ART for the Sheri Greenawald Artists Support Fund) and donation amount. For example: END$500 for $500 to the Endowment Fund or ART$100 for $100 to the Artists Support Fund.
✺ Give by Voice: call the Merola phone number on your screen and a staff member will submit your donation on your behalf.
16. I’d rather work with a human being to make my donation. How do I do that?
You can phone the Merola office at (415) 936-2311, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5PM (PDT).
17. What if I want to make my donation by a method other than a credit card?
No problem! You can mail a check to the Merola office from your personal or business account; you can arrange for a donation from your Donor-Advised Fund; or you may make a gift of stock. Call Amy Kessler at (415) 936-2311 for details.
18. Having technical difficulties?
Email info@merola.org.