Jim Haslam and our hostess Karen White
As far as I’m concerned, the very best fundraisers offer me an opportunity to purchase an experience — rather than just another dinner. That’s why I love the Knoxville Symphony League‘s Elegant Dining events. Alan and I purchased five this year!
The last one we attended was at the beautiful home of Harvey and Karen White. They are the couple who for the past few years has purchased at an auction the opportunity for Karen to perform with the Knoxville Symphony. She’s conducted the orchestra. And this year she played the piano with them. It’s so much fun to see someone you know — someone who’s not with the KSO — up there performing. I’m so proud of her. I’d never have the guts!
But, back to the Elegant Dining event. KSO’s Maestro Lucas Richman, who plays a mean piano, and Katy Williams, a beautiful soprano who performed with the Symphony Chamber Orchestra during its opera music concert March 6, essentially took requests and performed sing-alongs in the Whites’ living room after dinner. I mean, how often are you going to have that experience?
It was fun hearing Maestro Richman explain that he was nominated for a Grammy Award this year and, feeling certain he would not win, opted to skip the ceremony and instead go to the Knoxville Symphony League’s “hard hat party” for the annual Symphony Show House. Of course, as fate would have it, he WON! (By the way, Moxley Carmichael does pro bono PR for the Symphony Show House. I hope you will make it a point to go this year. It’s always great fun!)
One of the most touching moments the other night came when David Harris, with his wife Polly Anna on piano, sang the old chestnut, “Always,” which he said was the couple’s special song. They’ve been married 62 years!
Here are some scenes from that sweet, lovely evening.
Soprano Katy Williams and Maestro Lucas Richman, who was telling us about winning his "first" Grammy. Love the confidence!
Jackie Newman, left, and Tere Atwater in the buffet line
From left, Symphony League President Harriet Hodge, Sandra Butler and Tere Atwater settled in for the performance.
From left, Betsey Bush, Jackie Wilson and Jeanine Brogan grabbed the couch.
Hal and Eleanor Nichols
David Harris sings "Always" as his wife, Polly Anna, accompanies on piano. (Several folks were seen wiping away tears.)
Katy Williams listens to Maestro Richman on piano. (Great dress!)
Katy sings "God Bless America" -- Jim Haslam's request!
Sarah Stowers, left, and Natalie Haslam enjoying the performance.
Bobbie Congleton, left, and our host Harvey White
Katy Williams poses with Jim Haslam and Harvey White.
Lucas Richman and guest Brenda Goslee
Sue Whittle and Natalie Haslam
There are 16 Elegant Dining events left this season. Click here for info on all of them. (Then click on “Listing of Events.”)
Wow…I wasn’t even aware of these events. What fun!
Debra: They are a ton of fun. I hope you check out a few of them.