20th Annual Symphony Lovers' Ball

MOST SUCCESSFUL EVER!

The GRAMMY and JUNO Award-winning Vancouver Symphony announces that the 20th Annual Symphony Lovers' Ball held Thursday, February 4th, 2010, in the Pacific Ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was the most successful ever, thanks in great part to the critical support of our sponsors in Vancouver's corporate community! This event raised over $620,000 in benefit of the VSO in its 91st season – a record and all-time high.

With fine music, food, and wine, over 420 guests were treated to the sounds of the entire Vancouver Symphony Orchestra—a truly remarkable and unique experience in support of our cultural cornerstone.

Hosted by Master of Ceremonies Christopher Gaze, Vancouver's very own Bard, the evening kicked off with a rousing, enthusiastic chorus of O Canada, backed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The VSO's rendition of O Canada was heard 14 times in the weeks that followed, as the orchestra recorded all the national anthems for the 2010 Vancouver Games!

From there, Maestro Bramwell Tovey led the Orchestra in musical selections to match the theme of Fire & Ice, starting with Rimsky-Korsakov – The Snow Maiden: Dance of the Tumblers. Dancers Danielle Gould and Vlademir Pereira of the Goh Ballet provided a beautiful performance during Tchaikovsky – Nutcracker: Grand Pas de Deux, as choreographed by Anna-Marie Holmes. The finale was Stravinsky – Firebird: Berceuse and Finale. All created a very stirring experience amidst the sparkle and fire of the ballroom.

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Executive Chef Robert LeCrom outdid himself with a remarkable meal. Thank you to Chef LeCrom for his 20th incredible dinner presentation. As ever, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver staff pampered the guests and attended to their every need.

The sold-out event featured a remarkable Silent and Live Auction. The spirited bidding in the Live Auction was guided by consummate professional Barry Scott of Maynards Fine Art & Antiques and raised more than 100 % of value. Lucky winners will be enjoying a trip to London to attend a Chelsesa Football game, jetsetting to the exclusive Island of Mustique, and taking a hiking trip up the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

This year's raffle prize, sponsored by Tiffany & Co., of a ladies Cushion cocktail watch set with diamonds and a pair of diamond Cushion drop earrings, valued at over $20,300 was a total sell-out.

The event was sponsored under the Distinguished Patronage of Phillip Chicola, Consul General of the United States of America, and Mrs. Victoria Chicola. Also in attendance were the Honourable Senator Yonah Martin, Mr. Harry Bloy, MLA, Honorary Consul General to Paraguay, Dr. Peter Chung and Honorary Consul General to Tunisia, Mr. Lyall Knott.

The Symphony Lovers' Ball was organized by an incredibly dedicated Symphony Lovers' Ball Committee to help raise funds for the VSO. The Committee included: Stephanie Chung; Mary Ann Clark; Diane Farris; Rob Ferguson; Andrea Jacob; Maria Menten; Deb Milliken; Nancy Margitan, Kirsten Nash, Karin Smith, Colin Upright; and Fei Wong.

Special thanks go to Co-Chairs Liz Gordon and Nazmeen Lalji; Honorary Chair Nezhat Khosrowshahi; and Auction Committee Chair Kathy Winton for their unflagging efforts in making this year so successful.

This funds raised at the annual Symphony Lovers' Balls support the VSO's performances each season of more than 150 concerts featuring over 60 celebrated guest artists attended by more than 250,000 people in 13 venues throughout the Lower Mainland. It also contributes to VSO education programs that reach more than 50,000 children each year. Since its inception in 1991, the Symphony Lovers' Ball has netted over $5.5 million in support of the Vancouver Symphony's many projects and continuing operations.

Check back regularly for updates on next year's
Symphony Lovers' Ball – the 21st Anniversary!

For more information, please contact: loversball@vancouversymphony.ca