2008 OPENING NIGHT GALA CONCERT and BENEFIT The Caramoor International Music Festival launched its summer season with a gala evening in a “garden of great music.”  The 63rd annual summer festival opened Saturday, June 21 in the Venetian Theater in Katonah, NY with Michael Barrett leading the Orchestra of St. Luke's with guest artists Alisa Weilerstein, cello; Igor Begelman, clarinet; and Jon Kimura Parker, piano, playing works by Copland, Bernstein, Fauré, and Gershwin.  The Opening Night Gala honorees were long-time advocates for the American arts in Paris, Judith and Samuel Pisar.  Co-chairs were Patricia and Edward Falkenberg, and Pamela and John Hervey.  Gala attendees helped raise over $600,000 to support and sustain Caramoor’s artist endeavors and to keep Caramoor a vital and beautiful place to be enjoyed by the broadest audience possible.  Photos from this event are available for purchase at: Gabe Palacio Photography