The performance portion of Diner au Blanc et Noir at Ridgefield Manor last month.
I’ve finally found an experience to replace in my heart what used to be my very favorite Knoxville event of the year: Symphony in the Park. As you probably know, Symphony in the Park was a fundraiser for Ijams Nature Center that featured the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performing a twilight show at Ijams. It went on for 35 years until Ijams suddenly pulled the plug on it in 2021.
Don’t get me wrong. There are a lot of great fundraisers in Knoxville and my husband, Alan Carmichael, and I attend literally scores of them every year. But last month, I think I finally found one that will make me stop missing Symphony in the Park: it’s called Diner au Blanc et Noir. Held at historic Ridgefield Manor in Fountain City, it’s put on by the Knoxville Symphony League and the KSO staff to benefit the KSO. It was a beautiful, moving, smashing success! And, the best news ever: plans are in the works to repeat it next year, thanks to the generous homeowners, Ron Hall and Robert York, and the hardworking volunteers of the Knoxville Symphony League.
Check out these photos and see if you don’t agree with me that we have a winner here!
As soon as the valet takes your car, you start to feel the magic. About 200 paper lanterns adorn the lush landscape as you approach the manor house.
And then you start to see the spectacular view from the Black Oak Ridge neighborhood where the property is located.
A string quartet from the Knoxville Symphony is performing before you even check in!
The homeowners, Robert York, left, and Ron Hall with KSO Music Director Aram Demirjian, at right.
Alan Carmichael with two members of the Knoxville Symphony League, Cathy Briscoe-Graves, left, and Harriet Hodge.
From left, Graeme Hunter, Victoria Kay, Jim and Hilary Williams Burgin. (Look at that beautiful view!)
Elizabeth Williams, right, with Jim and Kim Hays.
This was the scene shortly before 7 p.m.
It was a wonderful atmosphere for mingling!
And the quartet kept the lovely music coming! From left, Zofia Glashouser, I-Pei Lin, Sarah Senn, and Bill Pierce.
Rachel Ford, the Knoxville Symphony’s CEO, with Dr. Dan Reed.
Orpha Brink, left, and Milaray Mann.
Trish and Lyle Irish. He’s a member of the KSO board of directors.
Francie Elrod and KSO Resident Conductor Jim Fellenbaum.
Charles Daily and Mary Knepper.
Dr. Susana Navarro, left, and Susan Dakak.
From left, Ron Hall, Sam Mishu, and Tom Mishu.
Jim Fellenbaum with Becky Benedict and Jenny Kitts, right.
Stephanie and Dr. Scott Brown.
Sondra and Jim Oakley.
Laurie and Mal Macnair.
Linda and John Haynes, left, with Jenny and Steve Kitts.
Trianne Newbrey, the KSO’s communications director, on the job!
Robert York, left, and Ron Hall invited us to tour the home. It was open prior to the dinner for a VIP event.
The kitchen is not finished yet, but I did get a good photo of the passed appetizers: pissaladière and apricot brie bites. (These are signature Holly Hambright nibbles!)
Although they said renovations are not complete, you could really see what the feel of the home will be. They both are designers, by the way. Here’s the living room.
A beautiful sun room.
Comfy den.
It was fun to look at the party from the inside.
Dining room.
Upstairs, a bedroom that’s about the size of our downtown condo! (Thanks to Sofia Owens, pictured here, for showing me around.)
Wow, what a great closet!
Another bedroom.
Upstairs sitting area between bedrooms.
Well, you get the idea! It’s great! Now, back to the party!
When I got back outside, it was starting to get dimmer and folks began taking their seats
Isn’t this a pretty salad?
Beautiful, perfect weather blessed the event.
Mike Natzke and Annette Eaves were seated at the same table as us. They were fun!
Michael Durr and Melinda Garrett were at Table 11, as well.
As were Julie Sharpe and Dr. Jeff Johnson.
All the centerpieces were made from flowers and greenery gathered from gardens on the property!
Anne White and Nathan Sparks were one table over.
Entree was delicious! It was “Marry Me” seared chicken breast in garlic sun-dried tomato sauce with Parmesan lemon risotto and asparagus spears.
And then this! Flourless chocolate torte with sea salt caramel sauce and fresh berries. Lord.
Here’s a super nice touch: Empire Distributors of Tennessee donated Dolly Parton’s new Chardonnay wine for the evening!
At 8:15, our conductor asked for our attention and made welcoming remarks.
Thirty minutes of stunningly beautiful music ensued. This is Sean Claire.
I was so glad to see that Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and his wife, Janice, were there.
The house really shone like a beacon of happiness.
It was real magic.
This lady, Kim Cunningham, pictured with Ron Hall and Robert York, is the mastermind along with them behind this fantastic event! She’s president-elect of the Knoxville Symphony League. This photo is courtesy of Hall and York.
Wow!
My goodness. I will look for the notices about this next year. I hope we can make it.
This was the most memorable evening! Everything was beautiful and so well planned. Honored to share the evening with everyone.
Georgiana: Ha! Indeed
John: I look forward to seeing you!
Cindy: Totally agree! It was so special.
This is your most beautiful post ever.Then again, have you ever had such a gorgeous palate of beauty to choose from. The house tour was fantastic.
Gina: You are right about what a gorgeous evening it was! I really hope this is a permanent addition to our community’s cultural calendar. They can count me in every year!
Wonderful picture story. No one does it like you. I “lived a little” just reading and musing. Don’t think I would ever leave that sunroom. . . and yet the grounds!
Susan: Haha! It was a truly stunning venue! You need to go next year!
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