New York City, September 29, 2006–On November 6, 2006, New York’s Metropolitan Club will become even more spectacular when interior designers, Matthew White and Frank Webb of White Webb, festoon the ballroom with their signature style. The event, set on the theme of “A Grand Tour”, will benefit Save Venice in their unprecedented 40 year effort to restore the art and monuments of the world’s most beloved and fragile city.
Matthew White is a Save Venice board member and will be chairing the gala. Joined by Frank Webb, his business partner and co-designer, the duo will create a setting that is sure to transport the lucky guests to a time when travel meant steamer trunks and a leisurely sail across the Atlantic.
Central to the evening will be a performance of A Grand Tour, a celebration of all things Venetian expressed through music and written word. This piece was compiled and written by Rick Elice, who wrote the book for the Tony Award-winning Jersey Boys now playing on Broadway. It will be directed by Tony Award winning actor and artistic director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Roger Rees. Mr. Rees will be joined on stage by the incomparable Michael York and luminous Kate Burton. Noted pianist and composer Brian Louiselle will accompany the actors on the piano. At the request of Matthew White, A Grand Tour was written especially for Save Venice. Its original performance occurred at the organization’s Carnivale Gala, which took place at Venice’s beautifully restored La Fenice opera house in February, 2006. Those who saw A Grand Tour in Venice clamored to have it performed in New York.
After the performance, guests will ascend to the grand ballroom where dinner will await. This opulent Gilded Age salon will be subtly accented by White Webb’s chic décor. Instead of flowers, the design team has chosen to decorate the tables with their own versions of Venice’s renowned landmarks. Using techniques similar to those for their furniture line, White Webb’s Intaglio, the designers will create three dimensional objects based on antique engravings of San Marco’s Campanile and other Venetian treasures. In contrast to the extravagance of the Metropolitan Club, this modern take on historic architecture will create a refreshing, bold statement.
During dessert, a live auction of “Jewels of the Adriatic” will take place. Stunning treasures, generously donated by the illustrious jewelers Adria de Haume, Faraone Mennella, Luna Felix, Elizabeth Locke Jewels, Missiaglia, Nardi, Annalu Ponti, Carolina Palermo Schulze, Hutton Wilkinson for Tony Duquette, Tiffany & Co., Piaget and Verdura, will be sold to the very fortunate, highest bidder.
To learn more about Save Venice, visit www.savevenice.org.