“Masterpiece” Symphony Ball 2021

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild held the 57th Symphony Ball, “Masterpiece,” on October 23, 2021,  in the North Hall of the Von Braun Center, where 58 beautiful young women, from both the 2020 and 2021 debutante classes, were presented. The venue was dramatically transformed into an elegant and sophisticated setting by Charlotte Wessel of Buckets and Blooms. She crafted elaborate chandeliers of greenery suspended above the dance floor and dining area and incorporated the 2020 rose, “Shimmer,” and the 2021 rose, “Faith,” to great effect in urns and topiaries that graced each table.

Dr. Ken Rivenbark served as Master of Ceremonies, and he proved to be a grand emcee once again. He announced each class of debutantes with precision and gravitas.

Following the formal presentation and traditional waltz by the debutantes and presenters, an intimate dinner was enjoyed by the debutantes, their families, and close family friends. The meal was a culinary feat for the VBC, featuring a tender beef filet with a compound butter as well as a well-seasoned chicken breast accented with a chipotle crema. The entrees were complimented with bacon-wrapped asparagus and shaved brussels sprouts. The dessert course was also exceptional with the choice of tantalizing tuxedo cake or chic caramel crunch cake to end the meal on a sweet note.

Mark Jaeger was the official Ball photographer for the evening, and he took small-session family photos during the dinner portion of the event. An additional option of a photo booth was available during the Celebration party for those wanting fun pictures to share and post to social media.

The Celebration party began at 9:00, and guests danced the night away up until midnight. The Craig Duncan Orchestra outdid themselves, entertaining everyone and encouraging guests of all ages to take the dance floor.

HSOG Scarecrow at the Botanical Gardens

Meet this striking gentleman when you visit the Scarecrow Trail at the Huntsville Botanical Garden.
Frederic CrowPin was created by our Communications Special Projects Committee and will be on display, along with many others, through October 31, 2021.

Silver Tea 2020

On Friday, March 12, 2021, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild President Janet Skidmore, Silver Tea Finance Chair Suzanne O’Connor, and Huntsville Youth Orchestra Liaison Ashley Wells present the Silver Tea 2020 proceeds to the Board Director of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra Deborah Brown in the amount of $23,000. Stacey Gardner was the Chairman of the Silver Tea Committee this year.

From R to L: Deborah Brown, Ashley Wells, Suzanne O’Connor

2021 Painted Violins: Join the Painted Violin Society and help support the Free Family Concert!

Stand and raise your paddle to join the Painted Violin Society. Along with the generous support of Jerry Damson Automotive you will be proud sponsors of the Family Concert Series. Each Painted Violin Society member will receive a commemorative Painted Violin poster and your name will be printed in the Fall and Spring Huntsville Symphony Orchestra program. This year’s violins will be up for auction starting April 10, 2021.

Click here to JOIN THE PAINTED VIOLIN SOCIETY

Click here to check out the violins and other items up for auction at this year’s Crescen-Dough Auction

Silver Tea 2020

Six months ago, Ashley Mitchell graciously agreed to host the HSOG Silver Tea in her beautiful home. Six months ago, 20 Guild members enthusiastically agreed to serve on the Tea Team. Six months ago, the date of the Silver Tea was determined, the caterer reserved, and all things were ready to kick off the 2020 holiday season with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild Silver Tea.

But sometimes things do not happen the way they are planned.

With much discussion and consideration, it has been decided that the Silver Tea will not take place like it has in years past. We still need the support of the HSOG members and the support of the community during this unprecedented time. The Huntsville Youth Orchestra and community music education continually need our contribution. The Silver Tea gives the HYO a community presence that we want to continue and support.

Please be looking for your Silver Tea announcement to recognize the Huntsville Youth Orchestra by giving a donation and having a cup of tea in the safety of your warm and hopefully holiday decorated home.

If you would like to donate online, please click the tea cup above to be directed to the donation page.

47th Annual Crescen-Dough Auction to be All-Star and All-Online!

What to do in regards to the 2020 Crescen-Dough All-Stat Auction and our current unprecedented circumstances has been weighing heavily on our minds. We feel that the best course of action is to make the 2020 auction 100% virtual and online.

Please note, that no ticket purchase is required to participate! Anyone and everyone who wants to help support the HSO can visit the auction website at www.crescendough.givesmart.com. All you need to do is register and get ready to start bidding on April 12 at 9am. 

Since this will be a wholly online auction, we have decided to extend the bidding timeframe to allow for folks to peruse the items at their leisure. Bidding will be open from Sunday, April 12, at 9:00 a.m. and will close Sunday, April 19, at 5:00 p.m. 

Thank you for your understanding and support!
Register soon and get ready to bid early and often!

Crescen-Dough Auction 2020 Theme Announced

Jamie Saunders and Ina Wilson Smith, the 2020 Crescen-Auction chairs, proudly announced the theme for next year’s auction. The All Star Auction: 47 Years of Knocking It Out of the Park will be held on April 17, 2020 at the VBC – North Hall. Please check out the auction website at https://CrescenDough.givesmart.com.

About the Auction – The Crescen-Dough Auction is a fun-filled evening of bidding, socializing, and dining organized by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild to support the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and music education. The Auction has been held annually in April since 1973. Advanced reservations are required to attend.

Invest in your community’s children – Music education is the primary focus of the Guild. In cooperation with the Symphony School and the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, the Guild makes possible Third Grade Violin Education for more than 3,000 children in 40 schools; the free Young People’s Concerts for thousands of area 4th graders; the hands-on instrument “Petting Zoo” at Panoply; and the Free Family Concert. 

Invest in your orchestra – 65% of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra’s working budget depends on the generosity of people like you!