For the evening’s program, the group gathered in the Tolan’s salon after enjoying wine and an informal buffet dinner. Maestra Worby prefaced the program by commenting that there was no better way to appreciate the evening’s beautiful music than to hear it in such beautiful surroundings.

The Tolan’s magnificent Arden Road estate, which over the years has been pictured in Dynasty and Falcon Crest and countless other television shows, indeed created an elegant backdrop.

Before the singing program Ms. Worby asked Mayor Bill Bogaard to come forward.

"Did she make it clear that I was speaking and not singing?" Mayor Bogaard asked.

It was evident in the Mayor’s following remarks that he has heard newcomers to Pasadena make plenty of promises for great things which never materialized – and equally clear that he sincerely respects Ms. Worby’s accomplishments made in such short time. She has been Maestra of The POPS since 1999.

Since taking the reins, Ms. Worby has, according to www.worby.com , "doubled the number of yearly subscription concerts played, instituted an annual free-to-the-public concert, has been instrumental in securing corporate sponsorship, and has expanded The POPS’ educational and outreach programs. She has presented guest artists such as John Tesh, Chris Brubeck, Gary Morris, Arianna Zukerman, and Jubilant Sykes. She brought national attention to The POPS by appearing in the internationally televised 2001 and 2002 Rose Bowl Parades." In addition, each summer the orchestra has played free concerts on the steps of Pasadena City Hall, which attracts people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to hear live orchestral music. The orchestra's budget has doubled to well over a million dollars in just two short years.

"Rachael Worby has done everything she promised, and more," Mayor Bogaard concluded.

The evening’s musical program consisted of 3 operatic pieces and 2 popular songs.

First, Belgrade-born mezzo soprano Milena Kitic, beautiful in a white and silver evening gown, performed "Habanera" from Carmen by Georges Bizet. Ms. Kitic is tall and elegant with a commanding presence. She began her career singing at the National Theater in Yugolslavia and has sung throughout Europe and the United States. She now resides in Pasadena.

Ms. Kitic was accompanied by Victoria Kirsch, who is a sought-after pianist and vocal coach with a client list that includes the Los Angeles Opera.

She was followed by Panamanian-American baritone Nmon Ford, who set up the aria he sang with a sparkling introduction revealing his sense of humor and his self-confidence. Mr. Ford has performed throughout Europe, the Americas, and Japan. His powerful voice filled the salon with an impressive delivery of "Il balen del suo sorriso" from Guiseppe Verdi’s Il Trovatore.

Afterwards, Ms. Kirsch introduced the final operatic presentation: The vivid duet between Dalila and the High Priest of Dagon from Samson et Dalila by Camille Saint-Saëns. In an opera known to highlight mezzo sopranos, this piece crescendos in an exhilarating upward spiral.