Symphony Board gathers to gab and gourmandize

Knoxville Symphony Concertmaster William Shaub performing after dinner at the KSO Board’s summer get-together.

Haha! Made you look! I just wanted to use the word “gourmandize” in a headline!

Actually, this is just a light little post to launch us all into a (hopefully) relaxing — and cooler — weekend.

The board of directors of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra typically takes the summer off following the orchestra’s final performances (except for the Fourth of July) of the season in May. But, at the last board meeting, Chairman Rick Fox asked members what could keep the board more engaged during the summer break.

The answer: a party!

So Rick and his longtime partner, Ralph Cianelli, obliged by throwing one for the board and staff of the KSO. The location was the pair’s “Summer House” located in the backyard of the historic Middlebrook Plantation where they reside. The casual gathering was catered by Rick and Ralph’s favorite caterer, Rothchild, and was an Italian supper buffet.

In addition to the food and the camaraderie, another highlight was a short but fun after-dinner performance by KSO Concertmaster William Shaub.

It was a beautiful setting last evening as guests arrived at the patio of Rick and Ralph’s Summer House, at left.

From left, Ryan Martinez, Symphony CEO Rachel Ford, and board chair and host, Rick Fox. Ryan is the new director of finance for the KSO.

You couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful evening.

From left, KSO board members Theresa Stone, Carolyn Lawrence, and Lisa Bogaty.

Board member Sheena McCall with Jon Agazzi.

From left, the Symphony’s CFO, Ned Smethers, board member Elizabeth Offringa, Sande MacMorran, and David Bogaty.

From left, Mary Fran Darwin, Ron Lawrence, and board member Jenny Hines.

From left, Mary Fran Darwin, Ron Lawrence, and board member Jenny Hines.

Concertmaster William Shaub flanked by board members Cathy Hill, left, and Mardel Fehrenbach.

KSO Development Director Josh Thornton and Casey Perfetto, a correspondent for “VIP Knoxville” magazine, who was covering the event.

KSO Director of Communications Trianne Newbrey and Alan Carmichael.

The women in the crowd went wild for board member Moody Altamimi’s clear purse. When the KSO plays its Pops concerts at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium, the venue has a “clear bag” policy in effect. This is one of the prettiest see-through purses we have seen!

A sight for sore eyes! Ralph Cianelli with a bottle of my favorite Pinot Grigio, Primaterra. It is helpfully labeled with a sticker: “Cynthia’s wine!” While it is not currently available in Knoxville liquor stores, Rick and Ralph have a cache of it that they, thankfully, bring out for me on special occasions! Thanks, guys!

Appetizers were a variety of wraps.

They have cocktail napkins with the home’s logo in every color, Rick said.

As the shadows got longer, we were summoned to dinner.

A long table was set on the porch where ceiling fans created a cooling breeze.

David Williamson with Mardel Fehrenbach, left, and Theresa Stone during the salad course.

Chicken Parmesan was the main course.

Here’s my husband’s plate. Broccoli is his favorite vegetable, as you may have guessed!

We were impressed by how well Rick and Lisa’s pink outfits complemented each other.

And then he took it one step further!

Dessert time! David Williamson passing out dishes of refreshing lemon sorbet.

Perfect.

A 15-minute musical interlude followed.

Thanks to two great hosts!

We passed this beautiful crepe myrtle tree as we were leaving.

The moon was rising when we got to our home in downtown Knoxville.

Here’s a sample of the entertainment: Will Shaub playing “Orange Blossom Special,” also known as “the fiddle player’s national anthem!”

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7 Responses to Symphony Board gathers to gab and gourmandize

  1. Monique Anderson, on July 19th, 2024 at 12:41 pm said:

    Looks like a great time!

  2. Jenny Hines, on July 19th, 2024 at 1:23 pm said:

    Fantastic evening with perfect weather, good food, first rate entertainment and the best hospitality in the South. Rick and Ralph throw the best parties in the city.

  3. Cynthia Moxley, on July 19th, 2024 at 8:52 pm said:

    Monique: It was!

    Jenny: Agree! It was a perfect Thursday night! Great slide into the weekend!

  4. Sheena McCall, on July 19th, 2024 at 8:55 pm said:

    Rick knows how to keep his board and the employees of the symphony happy!
    He and Ralph put on a lovely party with entertainment from our very own William Shaub.
    The KSO had a very successful year!

  5. Cynthia Moxley, on July 19th, 2024 at 9:21 pm said:

    Sheena: Sure was fun! So proud of the KSO and happy to be involved! Fun spending time with you and Jon!

  6. Theresa H Stone, on July 20th, 2024 at 11:19 am said:

    It was an absolutely stellar evening thanks to the wonderful hospitality of Rick and Ralph.

  7. Cynthia Moxley, on July 20th, 2024 at 1:14 pm said:

    Theresa: Let’s make it a tradition! Ha!

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