Doc Phineas, Laura Henkel and Eileen Olmos enjoying Passport to the City, UWSN’s curated programming integrating art, culture and philanthropy.

Passport to the Las Vegas Philharmonic

By Stacey Gualandi
Photography by Marta Poling Schmitt and Ann Parenti

The Force is strong with the Alexis de Tocqueville Society!

Members of the United Way of Southern Nevada’s (UWSN) philanthropic group got a special behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood’s most famous film scores as the Las Vegas Philharmonic rehearsed “The Music of John Williams” inside Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center in downtown Las Vegas.

Williams, the 94-year-old composer and conductor, is known worldwide for his musical soundtracks to such blockbusters as “Star Wars,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Jaws,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Schindler’s List” and many more.

The Las Vegas Philharmonic

The orchestra continues to enrich the Las Vegas community through music and culture by dedicating two nights to Williams’ most popular compositions. Laura Henkel, UWSN’s major gifts officer, said they couldn’t have chosen a better preview performance.

“There is something universally nostalgic and powerful about John Williams’ music,” Henkel said. “Whether it is film, memory or emotion, his compositions connect across generations. You could feel that shared excitement in the room, which made the experience even more joyful.”

This experience was made possible by the Alexis de Tocqueville Society’s Passport to the City programming, designed to blend connection, culture and community.

Alice Sauro, Executive Director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, Sam Rudd, President and CEO of UWSN, and Don Snyder, Chairman of the Board of UWSN

“Tocqueville is about more than philanthropy. It is about bringing people together in ways that are both memorable and enriching. Partnering with the Las Vegas Philharmonic offered a natural alignment, allowing members to enjoy a ‘date night with family and friends’ that felt both personal and elevated while highlighting one of Southern Nevada’s most respected cultural institutions.”

Don Snyder, chairman of the board of UWSN, added: “I love it when organizations can collaborate to help make our community even better. As you have probably heard me say before, when you connect the right people and organizations, one plus one equals a lot more than two. That evening was a great example of this.”

Members enjoyed cocktails and conversation alongside Star Wars Collective characters Princess Leia, R2-D2, stormtroopers, Chewbacca and Darth Vader. (Yes, even the “dark side” likes good music!) Then they listened as the orchestra rehearsed memorable pieces from “Star Wars,” the “Flying Theme” from “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “Raiders March” from “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” among others.

Tocqueville Members: Don Snyder, Dee Snyder, Karen Alonso, Sarah Schmitt, Paul Schmitt, Marta Poling Schmitt, Stefan Schmitt

For some society members, this was their first time experiencing the Philharmonic.

“Introducing members to the Philharmonic in this way created a welcoming and approachable entry point. It demystified the experience and allowed people to engage with the music in a more relaxed, behind-the-scenes setting,” Henkel said.

An opportunity for like-minded institutions to come together like this creates a deeper appreciation and, Henkel said, will continue to strengthen relationships in a meaningful and authentic way.

“When members engage through shared cultural moments, it strengthens their connection not only to one another but to the broader community. It reinforces United Way’s role as a convener of leaders who care deeply about Southern Nevada. These moments build trust, inspire continued involvement and open the door for future collaborations with cultural partners that elevate both impact and engagement.”

For many at the rehearsal, including myself, it was an inspiring experience to witness the creative process in real time.

“It created a better understanding not only of the musicianship of the Las Vegas Philharmonic but also of the discipline, collaboration and artistry required to bring a performance to life. Many shared that it felt both intimate and elevated — exactly the kind of meaningful experience they value as part of Tocqueville,” Henkel said.

Tocqueville’s Passport to the City continues this spring with an even more exclusive, bespoke experience in May at the Chapel of the Holy Family at St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Boulder City. In partnership with Vegas City Opera, the afternoon will offer a rare and intimate setting where seating is limited.

For more information about the Alexis de Tocqueville Society and its Passport to the City curated programming, contact Laura Henkel at laurah@uwsn.org.

For more information about the Las Vegas Philharmonic, visit LVPhil.org

Marta and Stefan Schmitt with characters