Experience the essence of Spain and Andalusia in all its romance and mystery at the TSO's annual Gala, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Friday, September 23 at the Bicentennial Pavilion in Tacoma's elegant Hotel Murano. Enjoy champagne, dinner and a floor show of flamenco dancers. When we say the 2011 Gala is going to
be an unforgettable night in España, we're not just whistling La marcha
real. Your Gala steering committee is going all out this year.
You'll be
met at the door with complimentary champagne. Live Spanish guitar music will entertain you as you stroll through our marvelous Silent Auction, where you'll find unique items and once-in-a-lifetime special experiences to choose from.
Entertainment
But perhaps the most exceptional aspect of the event will be the entertainment floor show. We've got a double billing planned that'll take
you right to the Plaza Nueva in downtown Seville!
Spanish
flamenco dancer Savannah Fuentes, one of the featured performers, has been there and done that. Inspired by the passion and complexity
of the dance and music and intrigued by its exotic history, Savannah
spent years immersed in intensive study that took her to red hot Seville -- the birthplace of flamenco. Now, after years
of study, she pours her talent, knowledge, and passion into Spain's
signature dance.
Also appearing
will be dancers from Tacoma's Studio 6 Ballroom,
led by national title holder and master coach Natasha Thayer.
Nominated for business woman of the year in Puget Sound, Natasha isto Alaska, Mexico,
New England, the Caribbean, or Canada. known
across the US
& beyond as a top ranking vibrant & passionate competitor/performer and
an impactful coach. Partnering a vast background in music, science, multiple
dance styles, stage and tv; charisma & electricity exude in every
performance. Together, Savannah
and Natasha will make the 2011 Gala a night to remember!
The evening will start off at 5:30 p.m. with registration. Guests will be treated to delicious samples of Stella Artois, the Belgian lager, courtesy of Lead Sponsors Olympic Eagle Distributing. Passed champaign and Hors d'oeuvres during the silent auction will include delicious Paella bites
– Saffron, peas, rice, chorizo, shrimp and chicken, plus Achiote pork skewers
with red grapes. The silent auction will feature more than 150 great items, unique experiences, and many marvelous gift possibilities, with a huge variety of minimum bid levels so that there is something for everyone! The silent auction will be in sections closing at different times -- so don't come late or you will miss out on a lot of great possibilities! The last silent auction section will close, guests will be seated and the floor show will begin just after 7:30.
Dinner will be served and the
live auction will begin.
Dinner
The three-course gourmet dinner will start off with Arugula
spinach salad with Spanish olives, manchego cheese and almonds with a citrus
vinaigrette. The main entrée will be Serrano
wrapped prime top sirloin with smoked paprika oil, Pablano Yukon mash topped with cotija cheese, Roasted
corn, hericot vert and garlic medley.
Vegetarian entrees are available by request. Dessert will feature a strawberry tres leches cake. Need we say more?
Live AuctionThis year's live auction is amazing. An undoubted highlight is a week-long Holland America line cruise to Alaska, Mexico, New England, Canada or the Caribbean. Taylor Shellfish has donated their Ultimate Shellfish Party for 12 people, pairing wine with the freshest oysters you've ever tasted, at one of Taylor's beachfront shellfish farms. Other items include a Seattle Staycation; your very own Lasik Surgery; vacation packages to such exotic locales as Cabo San Lucas or Mazatlan, Mexico, Lake LBJ in Texas, or Florida during the upcoming Holidays; the opportunity to play percussion in, or even conduct, the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra; and a one-of-a-kind gourmet dinner hosted by our Chorus.
Click here to peruse a more detailed, item-by-item description.
Event proceeds benefit the music education
programs and concerts of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra. The TSO could not exist without this generous support. Contributions account for 70% of the TSO's budget, with the remaining 30% coming from ticket sales and other earned revenue. All 80 musicians in the TSO are paid professionals, and the TSO brings in nationally acclaimed guest artists for its performances. Moreover, its education programs are offered free or at nominal cost to the schools. Your participation in the Gala, auction and fund-a-need help make all this possible.
Spanish attire is encouraged,
and black tie is optional. Invitations have been mailed. If you would like to receive one, or just to RSVP, call the
TSO at 253-272-7264 or email us.