Annie O'Neill, Post-Gazette The dragon dance during cocktails.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette The cherry blossoms were in full bloom Saturday, creating a canopy of springtime against the dark stage of Benedum Center. The effect was at once sublimely simple and breathtaking. With Asian Infusion as its theme, the Pittsburgh Opera's Maecenas XXII reached new heights of elegance -- quite a feat given that the gala ranks among the best every year.

A giant drum beat the call to dinner, where guests got a first glimpse of the dramatic stage. Black bamboo vases studded with orchids and filled with those cherry blossoms (all by Tim Condron Florist) graced black linens with red Chinese characters, the perfect backdrop for an Asian-inspired dinner prepared and served impeccably by the Duquesne Club. Seared Ahi tuna, braised duck baked in a Fuji apple, glazed pork belly and soy-marinated halibut was followed by a splendid banana and white chocolate mousse, with dancing between courses encouraged by the irresistible sounds of Gary Racan and the studio-e Band.

	Annie O'Neill, Post-Gazette Nathan Gunn and Jeffrey Romoff Click photo for larger image. Seen Photo Journal

The highlight of the evening was a performance by renowned baritone Nathan Gunn, who sang a selection of standards to the accompaniment of his wife, Julie. Gunn received the Renaissance Award from artistic director Christopher Hahn, and UPMC president Jeffrey Romoff was presented with the Maecenas Award by general director Mark Weinstein. A fond farewell was said to music director John Mauceri, who recently resigned from his position to become chancellor of the North Carolina School of the Arts. The Organization of Chinese Americans Youth Performance Ensemble re-created "A Celebration in Qing Palace" and other dances, adding to the evening's exotic flair. Credit chairs Laura and Claude Kronk with creating such a success for the opera.

Among the guests were board chair Nadine Bognar, Pittsburgh Ballet director Harris Ferris and Pittsburgh CLO director Van Kaplan, Attila and Patricia Molnar, Jim and Electra Agras, Harry and Camille Goern, Dr. Bill and Cindy Swartz, Susan and John Robinson Block, Dr. Michael and Rose Kutsenkow, Barbara Barry, Jerry and Barbara Chait, Doug and Nancy Sansom, Joe and Carol Massaro, Jeff and Shelley Lipton, Michel and John Franklin, Holly Buffinton and Victor Bove, Dr. Loren and Ellen Roth, Howard and Maryann Burnett, Bill Dietrich and Jane Treherne-Thomas, Richard LeBeau, Paul Gitnik, John Tippins and Laura Pallan and many more.

Alyssa Cwanger, Post-Gazette Craig Warner examines "War President," Joseph Wezorek's photomosaic portrait of President Bush composed from 960 images of American soldiers killed in Iraq. Click photo for larger image.

Art for AIDS

More than 200 pieces of artwork were up for auction Monday at Art for AIDS/Art for Change, the long-standing annual benefit for Persad and the work it does in counseling people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender or affected by HIV/AIDS.

The evening attracted more than 1,200 browsers and bidders to Carnegie Museum for both the silent and live auctions and grazing at numerous food stations donated by local eateries. Nathan Croumer and P.J. Musick co-chaired the organizing committee.