Spring 2026

168 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 ~ THE P EN I NS U L A S C ENE ~ Monterey Symphony 80th Anniversary Ruby Gala Virginia Marine, Nicola Reilly, Noemi Vera Photos by Kelli Uldall T he Monterey Symphony celebrated 80 years of excellence at MPCC with 150 guests in attendance.The evening featured the Monterey Symphony Big Band Orchestra led by Paul Contos, vocal soloist Melinda Campero, auctioneer Scott Eck, dance performances from Pacific Grove Dance, and a wine-paired dinner prepared by Chef Dan Furey. Money raised supports the Symphony’s concerts and education programs. Barb Caltagirone, Sarah Grandcolas Laurie Bend, Jacquie Atchison, JohnWineglass Daniel Henriks, Kathryn Smith, Sissy Bouchard, Alexa Dieterle Jeryl & Ron Abelmann, Joanne Storkan Scott Eck, Mark Nassar Jan Loomis, Gerard Issvoran, Sherrie McCullough Roberta Bialek Elliott, Bill & Nancy Doolittle George & Patricia Yellich, Julie Capili, David Glickman Mollie Hedges, Laurel Lembo Doug Mueller, Malinda DeRouen Allan & Georgie Polley, Bruce &Whiz Lindsey, Marcia & Ross Thomsen Carly & Jayce Ogren Joe & Beth Heston Nathan Lutz, Alan Mason, Jenny Kuan, Larry Yang Photos: Kelli Uldall