The Palm Beach Opera launched its young friends' organization on October 3 at a lovely cocktail reception at the Governor’s Club in West Palm Beach. More than 100 young opera lovers enjoyed tasty passed hors d'oeuvres and sweeping views of the Intracoastal, the Island of Palm Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.

The event was co-chaired by Mary Fairbanks and Victoria Pollingue. Guests met the new General Director William Ryberg and his wife Evelyn, while learning about the upcoming season highlights. The schedule can be accessed at www.pbopera.org.

The crowd was attractive, professional and seemingly affluent with ages ranging from late 20s to 50s. The guests represented a good mix of people from South Palm Beach County (Cary and Liz) to Martin County and all points in between.

After the music ended and people trickled out, several of the guests proceeded to Cucina, a hot spot in Palm Beach, for drinks and dinner.