Please join the Abilene Philharmonic Guild for its annual Heritage Gala set for February 25, 2023, at the Abilene Country Club. Guests will enjoy dinner, dancing and more at the elegant “A Moonlit Evening.” Preceding that centerpiece event, “Brunch at Tiffany’s” is planned for the morning. 

Gala events will honor Jim and Mary Pizzorno. The couple have dedicated numerous hours of service in all areas of the Abilene arts community and the Abilene Philharmonic in particular. The depth and breadth of their service is immeasurable including financial support, attendance at concerts and other events, and long-time involvement with the Philharmonic Association, Philharmonic Foundation, and the Philharmonic Guild. 

Also honored at Gala events will be First Financial Bank and First Financial Trust for their long legacy of support. In addition to a lengthy record of providing monetary gifts to the orchestra, they have provided support in other ways such as sponsoring concerts, hosting post-concert social gatherings and encouraging employees to attend concerts. To emphasize their value to the Abilene Philharmonic, First Financial Bank was granted the Texas Association of Symphony Orchestras Award of Excellence in 2017 (Business Category).

The Gala also celebrates the twelve Senior Belles and Beaus, high school students, who have served as ushers at the concerts and events and as volunteers in other philharmonic ventures. They will be presented at both events and honored for their accomplishments.

The Guild, founded in 1954, supports the orchestra through volunteering, fundraising and community service. The organization currently has over one hundred members, each believing in their mission to support and promote the interest and growth of the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra. Proceeds from the gala enable the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, now in its 72nd season, to continue providing rich concert seasons of exceptional symphonic music for our community. 

We invite your involvement in our fundraising endeavor. May we count on your continued endorsement and encouragement? Please join us in our effort to make this year’s Heritage Gala a success. Thank you for helping us keep the music alive in Abilene!

Amos Davis                Kim Melnyk              Della Beasley
Guild President           Gala Co-Chair          Gala Co-Chair