Dance and Dine at the VSO 35th Annual Symphony Ball

Burlington, Vermont — The Vermont Symphony Orchestra and the Champlain Valley Friends of the VSO will host the annual winter gala, Symphony Ball.  This year’s honorary co-chairs are Mayor and Mrs. Miro Weinberger and UVM President and Mrs. Tom Sullivan. The event will be held on Saturday, February 2 in the Grand Maple Ballroom of the Dudley Davis Center at the University of Vermont in Burlington .  For the 35th year, the VSO invites Vermonters to step into their dancing shoes, twirl the floor to waltzes and swing to the 18-piece Vermont Jazz Ensemble.  All proceeds from the event, Vermont ’s premiere black tie tradition, will benefit VSO educational and musical programs throughout the state.

     The Symphony Ball brings the special opportunity to dine with friends and dance to the live music of the VSO under the direction of principal guest conductor Anthony Princiotti.  Guests will also be able to swing to the music of the 18-piece Vermont Jazz Ensemble.  The annual gala includes a cocktail reception (cash bar) and silent auction beginning at 6:00 p.m., with an elegant dinner and complimentary wine following.  Dancing begins at 7:00 p.m. and continues until 12:30 a.m.

     Symphony Ball attendees are invited to bid on a few fabulous items in a silent auction.  One lucky bidder
will win the opportunity to conduct the VSO at a TD Bank Summer Festival Tour concert.  Additional silent auction items for the Symphony Ball include two rooms for 5 nights at Mandarin Oriental in San Francisco ;  a gift certificate from Macy’s; and a lovely piece of jewelry from Von Bargen’s. Visit the VSO website for a preview of auction items.  Absentee bidders are welcome.  Advance bids must be received by noon on February 1.

     Besides a beautiful evening of dining and dancing, Symphony Ball tickets include complimentary ballroom dance lessons, discounted tuxedo rentals at Men’s Wearhouse & Tux in Williston, and for those wishing to make a romantic weekend of the affair, special room rates at the Courtyard Marriott Burlington Harbor and the Sheraton Burlington Hotel, with limo transportation to the Davis Center provided by Ethan Allen Coachworks.  The two free dance lessons led by Maggi Hayes will take place on January 20 and January 27.

     Symphony Ball is open to everyone!  Tickets for the black-tie gala are $175 per person, $225 for Silver Patrons, or $325 for Gold Patrons.  Tables for 10 are available for $1,750.  Patron tables are also available.  A portion of the ticket cost is tax deductible.  For tickets, absentee auction item bids or further details, please contact Marissa Strayer-Benton at (800) VSO-9293, ext. 25, or at marissa@vso.org, or visit www.vso.org.