2025 Opening Weekend Gala
Saturday, October 11, 2025
12:00 AM
Join Philadelphia Ballet on Saturday, October 11, to celebrate the launch of our 2025/26 season with the Opening Weekend Gala
This year’s Gala, chaired by Teresa Fink and Stephen Varenhorst, features a thrilling double bill of Carmen and Boléro, choreographed by The Ruth and A. Morris Williams, Jr. Artistic Director Angel Corella. Inspired by the passion and artistry of Spain, the program showcases the extraordinary artists of Philadelphia Ballet and the beloved music of Georges Bizet and Maurice Ravel, brought to life by the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra under the direction of The Louise and Alan Reed Music Director Beatrice Jona Affron.
The program will also feature a special awards ceremony hosted by Nydia Han of 6abc. The 2025 Barbara Weisberger Award will be presented to Arthur M. Kaplan in recognition of his distinguished service as a longtime Trustee and friend of Philadelphia Ballet. Martha Koeneman, The Greapentrog Principal Pianist, will receive the David F. Hoffman Award for Artistic Achievement in honor of her extraordinary commitment and musical legacy as she begins her 53rd season with Philadelphia Ballet.
A festive black tie dinner in the Grand Belle Ballroom at the Bellevue Hotel will follow the performance.
Proceeds from the Opening Weekend Gala benefit Philadelphia Ballet’s work onstage and in the community. Tickets and sponsorship packages are now available!
OPENING WEEKEND GALA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025
5:00 PM | VIP RECEPTION
ACADEMY OF MUSIC BALLROOM
6:00 PM | AWARD PRESENTATION AND PERFORMANCE OF ANGEL CORELLA’S CARMEN AND BOLÉRO
ACADEMY OF MUSIC
8:30 PM | POST-PERFORMANCE GALA DINNER
GRAND BELLE BALLROOM AT THE BELLEVUE HOTEL
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Please visit our information page for details about parking options and discounted rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton.
Please contact [email protected] for questions about the 2025 Opening Weekend Gala.
PHILADELPHIA BALLET GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTERS OF THE OPENING WEEKEND GALA
PRESENTING SPONSORS
Varenhorst Architects
Teresa Fink and Stephen Varenhorst
ANGEL SPONSORS
Deborah and Kurt Hilzinger
Victoria Mars and David Spina
GOLD SPONSORS
Sarah and Brad Marshall
Emma Moretzsohn and Christopher J. Knauer
Shelly and Marty Power
Louise H. Reed
James and Stacy Sarvis
ANGEL SPONSOR – COUPLES
Arthur M. Kaplan and R. Duane Perry
Neal W. Krouse and Karl Fong
Marla and Rich Milgram
Lawrence Scholler
SILVER SPONSORS
Judith Broudy
Harry and Karen Lavallen
John and Emalee Welsh
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
Lloyd Freeman
First National Bank
Luke Hirneisen
Turner Construction Co.
ANGEL SPONSOR – INDIVIDUALS
Dr. James L. Goodwill
Otto Haas Charitable Trust
Dr. Carolyn C. Newsom
Irene Sanz
VIP TICKETS
Lisa and Audrey Bell
Blank Rome
Leigh Ann Buziak and Emmerich Buziak
Amy and Anthony B. Haller
Cynthia Bolt
Barbara Eberlein and Jerry Wind
Jamie Gibbins
Ruth Hunsberger
Drs. Jason Karlawish and John Bruza
Rachel Kieser and Mr. Ronaldo Ribeiro
Michael C. Lillys
Kitsie O’Neill
Liz Ray
Eileen P. Rosenau
Vikki Sloviter
Dr. Robert Wallner
Sandra and Earl Waxman
Elayne Weisberg
Karen Paul Zimmer, MD, MPH and Norman M. Powell, Esq.
PATRON TICKETS
Alyse and James Bodine
Jack Butler
Macleod Carre
James Fratto and Jeanne Sigler
Drs. Elizabeth Knighton and Kevin Duffy
Meredith Lewis and Jeffery Smith
Martha Morse
William O’Connor
Bryan Park
Jessica Platt
Vincent Vadot and Veronique Bonnet-Vadot
Beverly Wexler
Friend of Philadelphia Ballet
YOUNG FRIENDS TICKETS
Danielle Bourgeon
Rodrigo Daly Guris
Francis and Mandana Hunter
Artist Sponsors
Vanessa McGrath
Nika Nassif
DONORS
Dr. and Mrs. Neal E. Bozentka
Sarah Miller Coulson
Alice Donavin Day and George S. Day, PhD
Artist Sponsors
Allen R. and Judy Brick Freedman
Francis and Mandana Hunter
Chrissy Ott
Rita and Larry Salva
Artist Sponsors
Schwab Charitable Fund
Michael and Lavinia Smerconish
Arthur and Julia Solmssen
Helana and Eric Sultan
Artist Sponsors
Vanguard Charitable
Toni Stifano-Walton and Marc Walton
A. Morris Williams, Jr. and Elaine Woo Camarda