KSO violinist Sean Claire has talents in the kitchen as well as on the stage!
The so-called “Symphony Soiree” was earlier this week in downtown Knoxville and, once again, it did not disappoint. This is the annual fundraising event where musicians of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, as well as Knoxville Symphony League members, bring a smorgasbord of covered dishes for dinner and members of the League bring all the desserts.
The dining is followed by a series of short performances by KSO musicians. Held at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral‘s community room, it’s casual and fun. (Of course it doesn’t hurt that St. John’s is located in the same block as our downtown condominium!)
The “Soiree” is part of the Symphony League’s “Elegant Dining” series of events. They, along with the annual Symphony Ball, are the main fundraisers for the Knoxville Symphony, bringing in more than $200,000 annually. There are 11 dinners, lunches, and outings remaining this season and some have a few tickets available. Click here to browse the offerings.
In the meantime, browse these photos to see how multi-talented the members of the Knoxville Symphony — and their supporters — truly are!
Great seeing Suzan Murphy and Randall Willis.
From left, Ralph Cianelli, Jane George, and Rick Fox. Jane’s a member of the Symphony League and Rick’s president of the KSO board of directors.
Symphony League President Kim Cunningham, left, and Elizabeth Lee. Great job, friends!
Alan Carmichael, left, and Alan Lee. (The event was held on St. Patrick’s Day, if you were wondering about the pendant!)
Kim Cunningham called tables to go through the buffet line in an orderly fashion.
Very nice.
Here are just a few of the dinner offerings. Clockwise from top left: chicken cassserole; lasagna; boeuf bourguignon; black rice with currants and pine nuts; and eggplant Parmesan. Yum!
Jami Roland with The Pour Guys bartending service displaying one of my favorite sights of the night — Pinot Grigio!
Cellist Alice Stuart serving butternut squash soup that violinists Sean Claire and Stacy Taylor made.
Mary Knepper, a member of the Symphony League, was serving what was supposed to be her chicken piccata. But she left the piccata sauce at home. “It’s still darn good chicken!” she assured! My husband, Alan, said that it was, indeed!
Timpanist Michael Combs brought champagne slaw. “This slaw contains champaigne,” he said to an older gentleman. “I’m going to have to see your I.D.!”
Another view of the very orderly food line.
Lynn and Fran Morehouse waiting their turn.
Sandy and James Pease.
Suzanne Allred and Toby Rhynehart.
Here’s what a well-filled plate looks like!
Fred and Gina Buffum waiting for their table to be called.
Edie and Gil Volk.
Becky Benedict keeping us all hydrated!
From left, League members Cecilia Whittington-Bellamy, Harriet Hodge, and Elizabeth Offringa. (I think Harriet actually was a guest that night — but she is a League member!)
The KSO’s chief executive officer, Rachel Ford, standing, was table-hopping. She’s here with Linda Royston, also a League member.
Jean Payne, left, and Sharon Dobbins.
John and Linda Haynes.
John and Linda Stebbins.
Jerry and Peggy Faerber.
Jane George and Jeff Bell. (See — there ARE men in the Symphony League!)
Harriet and Fred Hodge.
From left, Beverly Meyer, Robert and Jane Stepp.
Members of the Symphony League provided a table of delicious desserts.
A full house. In more ways than one!
Audrey Duncan was the lead hostess of the evening. She made welcoming remarks.
Michael Combs was the hilarious emcee.
Music time! Violinist Toby Elser, a new member of the Knoxville Symphony, opened the program.
Elser, left, was joined by his colleagues, from left, Kyle Venlet, Adam Ayers, and Joshua Ulrich. They were terrific.
Another new KSO member, Alex Chang, is principal clarinet.
Edward Pulgar, left, and Joshua Ulrich.
Zofia Glashauser.
From left, Edward Pulgar, Zofia Glashauser, Sarah Senn, and Joshua Ulrich.
Avid (and stuffed!) listeners.
Nice touch. The Joy of Music School donated some (non-functioning) trumpets which were used as centerpieces. For $20, you could take one home. Which is what James Pease is doing here.
Going thru that food line was such fun! Michael, Jane, and Mary were so gracious and generous. What a fun night.
Well, Gina, I sure hope you brought your ID if you wanted any of Michael’s slaw! (It really was fun!)