Façade 2005 was the third in a series of fundraising events created to combine the visual and performing arts. During the days of European royalty operas and other musical and theatrical performances were staged in combination with exhibitions of paintings and sculpture. In San Diego Pandeli Lazaridi, director of the Small Opera of San Diego, together with Jenifer Broomberg, a fine artist, put together an opera performance in combination with an exhibit of Jenifer's paintings. Façade 2004, was a gala affair held at the estate of Ian Ashley and Dr. Brian Judelson. Over 300 people attended and it was a marvelous event.

Dennis Paul Batt, executive director of the Museum Artists Foundation, attended that event and together with fellow San Diego Visual Artists Guild (SDVAG) member Jenifer Broomberg, and Pandeli Lazaridi created Façade 2005. Over 600 people attended and thousands of dollars were raised for both the Opera and MAF.

This Venetian Carnivale was held in the palatial estate of Maher Morcos, another SDVAG member. Three other fine artists exhibited along with Jenifer Broomberg. SDVAG member, Gerrit Greve, Rhonda Ahrens, and the host Maher Morcos displayed their beautiful paintings and sculpture throughout Maher's 9,000 square foot estate.

The Small Opera of San Diego put on a phenomenal two hour long show, featuring extravagant costumes, with over 20 highly talented singers: Jamie Bell, Carol Anne Brigitte, Jenifer Broomberg, Nolyn Cabahug, Stephen Chan, Mary Crowley, April Fisher, Therese Halladay, Pandeli Lazaridi, Marina Martin, Shirley Pearson, Ernesto Pinamonte, Georgetta Psaros, Viola Rohling, Gabriel Sandoval, Roberta Seno, Pia Soriana, Ana Stepanova, Sarah Suhonen, accompanied by John Danke, concert pianist, and highlighted by opera maestro Pandeli's careful direction and selection of arias. Beverly Libby created the gorgeous costumes.

Catering was donated by several fine restaurants and chefs; Café Milano: Pasquale Cianni, The Turquoise Café/Café Bar Europa: Basillio Cervaolo, Cookie Lady: Joan Kuebler, Elizabeth's Kitchen: Elizabeth Podsiadlo, Fresh, Roppongi, & Sammy's Wood Fired Pizza: Sami Labeki, Pacific Beach Bar & Grill: Donna Edwards, and Pasquale on Prospect: Pasquale. An anonymous donor donated over 100 bottles of fine wine.

The response to this event was phenomenal. Comments such "party of the century", the best party I ever attended", and "the perfect party", reflected the joy and exhilaration that was electric throughout the entire evening.

We are now planning Façade 2006 to be held in May.