It was a night of celebrating passion for the arts, where glasses were raised high to toast the vocal program at SF State’s Opera Gala last Friday.

The third annual fundraiser was held in Jack Adams Hall and showcased the vocal talents of students, alumni and staff. This year’s event featured special guests, like renowned choral conductor Vance George. The organizers sold out the available 160 seats, raising more than $3,700. All proceeds are going toward future productions by the opera program, according to Alissa Deeter, coordinator of the voice and opera program at SF State.

Showstoppers for the evening included 11 morsels from acclaimed and historic operas such as “Carmen,” “The Impresario” and “The Merry Widow.”

The gala event originally started as a way to build patronage, gain community support and rejuvenate the opera program overall, according to Deeter. The opera program was phased out of the department in the early 1990s due to budget cuts, but was reinstated in 2001.

“With the hard economic times falling on us in the state of California and the nation, it makes donating to the arts even more important,” said Deeter, dressed for the gala in a long turquoise gown accented with glimmering sequins. “Supporting your local arts is really how [the different arts programs] survive.”

According to Deeter, the gala started in a grassroots style. Participants, almost like a potluck, provided food and beverages.Ticket prices were at a requested donation of $10. But as the event has built more momentum and recognition with age, the bar has been raised in regards to spirits, appetizers and entrance fees. This year, tickets were upped to a suggested donation of $40, but according to Deeter, people were not turned away for coming in short of that amount.

Guests were seated at circular tables draped with black and white linens. Delicate rose petals and tea lights set the mood for the champagne, wine and confection service that circulated the room.

While many of the attendees were comprised of family, friends and supporters of the program, other featured guests included Kurt Daw, dean of the College of Creative Arts and Jassen Todorov, director of the School of Music and Dance.

Unlike a typical gala, the wait services for the event were not paid staff —they were actually the coordinators and performers of the event. Vocal major Samuel Palmer acted as maître d’ for the evening, instructing his fellow performers on wine service and seating. Palmer, who has been in the opera program for about five years, has helped coordinate the event since it first began.

Palmer said he chose to perform in only one ensemble piece this year because he wanted to concentrate on the behind-the-scenes success of the event. “I feel like the efforts that I put in tonight directly affect the growth of this department,” said Palmer, who could be found manning his post behind the beverage counter. “I feel like since I got here five years ago, I have seen the department grow. And I believe it is in part because of the effort and love that I put into it.”

As Palmer worked from the back of the house, the event rang strong center stage with ensemble and solo performances from some of the most famous and sultry operas of all time.

Kristine Sinajon carried the voice of the fierce rebel role of the elusive Carmen at the evening’s event. Sinajon graduated from SF State’s music program with a Bachelor of Arts in vocal performance. The mezzo soprano recalls her time in the program as beneficial to her career as a full-time musician.

“I hope enough people will be able to support the program so it can continue,” said Sinajon, dressed appropriately for the role of Carmen, in a tight red and black satin cocktail dress. “This program has given me so many opportunities to continue in the profession I am in now. Hopefully it will be able to benefit others.”

“Johanna” from the musical “Sweeney Todd” was also another notable performance of the evening, since its composer, George, was the honored guest of the evening.

During the intermission portion of the performance, George and Daw each presented speeches proclaiming the importance and beauty of music and vocal performance. Daw used personal anecdotes to relate his experiences to the audience. His words provoked tears into the eyes of attendee Carolee Jackson, whose grandson, Joshua Beld, is a student who performed during the evening’s event.

“It was just such an honor to hear the way music has had such an inspiration on [Daw’s] life,” said Jackson, her voice cracking with sincerity as she maintained her composure. “This [event] is truly wonderful, and I now truly feel as though we are truly part of [the opera program] family.”