Boston Conservatory President Richard Ortner was surrounded by smiling opera students during the school’s “Reaching for the Stars” gala Saturday night. The event, held up high in the State Room, featured performances of works by composers such as Irving Berlin, Mendelssohn, and Puccini, and raised money for the school’s scholarship fund. Guests at the party included Joe McNay of Essex Investments Management and Boston Architectural College prez Ted Landsmark. The night’s chairs were Gregory Bulger and Richard Dix.