This story is part of our March 2026 issue. To read the print version, click here.
Inside the historic Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, built in 1927
as a shining hallowed tribute to honor the region’s war dead,
music is playing. From the balcony comes the light and airy
refrain of a flute; aside the stage, a deep and resonant cello
plays; and in the doorway, the rich and mellow tones of a bassoon
can be heard.
Once this venerable hall was rocked by such bands as The Rolling
Stones, The Beach Boys, the Eagles and Grateful Dead. But for
several days in February, it was filled with music from 10
different musicians playing 10 different instruments from the
Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera.
Each one accompanied a woman honored for Comstock’s 2026 Women in
Leadership issue. The women, who come from the world of health
care, technology, caretaking, public relations and other
professions, arrived resplendent in gowns and formal pantsuits.
As the music played, they danced, twirled, laughed and smiled.
Photographer Francisco Chavira used the stunning architectural
features of the auditorium to capture the glamour of the women.
The massive Grecian columns were illuminated in gold and purple
to provide a colorful backdrop. Everyone involved had a wonderful
time, excited as though they were going to an actual symphony.
“These things are just fun, to partner with such a renowned
institution like Comstock’s magazine to do this and celebrate
women leadership, flanked by musicians, professional musicians of
the Philharmonic & Opera. It’s just fun. We always love kind of
getting ourselves out there,” says CEO Giuliano Kornberg. To
learn more about the Philharmonic, see
Winnie’s letter in this issue.
We’ll be publishing one profile from the showcase on the
Comstock’s website home page every weekday for the next two
weeks. Check back daily to read more!
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View the list of
honorees from 2015 through 2026.
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