The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra has announced new details surrounding its Diamond Anniversary Ball. The black-tie, fund raising event will take place on April 5, 2014 at the Roanoke Ballroom at Hotel Roanoke. Admission to the event includes gourmet dinner, wines, open bar, free valet parking and dancing to live music from the RSO. The event’s Chairs are Drs. Nancy and Kevin Dye. The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra was founded in the spring of 1953, with the first concert season occurring between the fall of ‘53 and the spring of ‘54. The “Symphony Ball” quickly became the RSO’s signature fundraiser. The last Symphony Ball was “Carnevale – A Masked Musical Ball” in February 2012. This year’s Diamond Anniversary Ball celebrates the orchestra’s 60th anniversary and celebrates the grand tradition of the RSO’s early, 1950’s era Ball.
The Diamond Anniversary Ball evening will feature a live auction of diamond jewelry from Fink’s, Ginger’s Jewelry, Good Looks, as well as a custom made commemorative brooch from R.M. Johnson & Sons Jewelers.
Live orchestral music with selections from Johann Strauss, Jr., Richard Rogers, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and others will be led by music director David Stewart Wiley. In addition to the RSO, musicians will also include vocalists Scott and Amy Williamson.
Music and dance floor space will be available throughout the evening. Hotel Roanoke’s new executive chef, Stephen DeMarco, makes his RSO Ball debut with a colorful five course dinner that recalls the sophistication and elegance of mid-century American dining and French wines. The event will begin with cocktails at 7 p.m.
The funds raised by the Diamond Anniversary Ball will help support concerts and education programs that reach into the community year round. The Ball enables the RSO to hire professional musicians and to present renowned solo artists at affordable ticket prices. The support generated by Ball sponsors, in-kind contributors, volunteers and ticket buyers is vital to the RSO’s mission. Admission is $250 and is all inclusive. Reservations are required. For information and the reserve, call the RSO at 540.343.9127.
