The Valley Symphony Orchestra Gala Committee has announced the VSO’s 2021 gala event, BRAVO! VSO on May 7, 2021 at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. The event will raise funds for its performance and education initiatives and will provide guests with an elegant evening of music and celebration. Ms. Edna X. De Saro, Executive Vice President at Lone Star National Bank, is the 2021 Honorary Gala Chair.
The musical program for BRAVO! VSO will feature Pasión Primavera, a one-night-only command performance by the VSO Strings Orchestra. The artists will perform a sultry program of Latin music selections, including “Besame Mucho,” “Libertango,” “Cinema Paradiso,” a pop arrangement of “Santana In Concert” and more. The evening will also feature an online auction of luxury items, an inventive socially-distanced dinner, and a virtual attendance option. Special preparations are being made to hold the event in accordance with the available public-health guidelines.
Honorary Chair Edna De Saro has led corporate strategic marketing of Lone Star National Bank for more than 17 years. Lone Star National Bank is one of the fastest-growing, Hispanic-owned, independent community banks in Texas. Overseeing all marketing and advertising efforts for Lone Star National Bank, De Saro has been part of the management team that has positioned the bank as a technologically advanced financial institution in Texas. In addition, she is an active Advocate of the Advocacy Alliance Center of Texas (AACT) by promoting the importance of voting in the Rio Grande Valley.
“Music and its healing power are exactly what the Valley needs right now,” said De Saro. "In this time of incredible difficulty, this event will pay tribute not only to the VSO but to our incredible frontline workers and medical community." De Saro and the gala committee will honor and dedicate this year’s gala event to the medical community, essential workers, and others affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The event will offer hope, unity, and strength as the community celebrates and gathers to support the Valley’s own Symphony Orchestra.
De Saro is joined in planning and fundraising for the event by the VSO gala committee chaired by VSO board member Dr. Rutchebeth Contreras, PT, DPT of High Point Home Health. A member of the VSO board of directors, Dr. Contreras has more than 27 years of experience in health care services and more than 15 years’ experience in management and clinical supervision, having owned several companies. The daughter of a concert pianist, she is particularly passionate about music education. She is a member of the Junior League of McAllen and a graduate of Leadership McAllen, an experience that further strengthened her desire to serve her community.
“This year more than ever we must show our support, to ensure that one of the cornerstones of the Valley’s arts community can continue to serve the community with world-class performances and invaluable music education,” said Dr. Contreras. Helping with the efforts to organize the fundraiser is the gala committee, which consists of organization board members, supporters, and leaders from across the community.
Tables and tickets to the gala can be purchased by calling the VSO office at (956) 661-1615 or emailing katy.coy@valleyorchestra.org. Visit the VSO on the web at www.valleyorchestra.org for updates and more information.
Photo: Edna De Saro, 2021 Honorary Gala Chair
