17th Annual Symphony Lovers' Ball

The Vancouver Symphony celebrates The 17th Annual Symphony Lovers' Ball on Thursday, February 8th, 2007 (6:30pm Champagne Reception, 7:30pm Dinner & Dancing to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra), in the Pacific Ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

More than 400 guests will enjoy an evening inspired by "Winter in Russia." With fine music, food and wine, they will dance the night away to the sounds of the entire Vancouver Symphony Orchestra-a truly remarkable and unique experience!

CTV's Tamara Taggart will emcee the evening and Hotel Vancouver Head Chef Robert Le Crom is again in charge of the meal. The first-rate menu includes delicacies such as Lobster Tartlet with Leek & Fennel Confit, St Petersburg Honey Garlic Beef, and Lava Chocolate Cake with Kahlua.

The always sold-out event also involves a Silent and Live Auction of approximately $200,000 worth of donated items. The Live Auction will feature exquisite bidding items such as a package from the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi valued at over $16,000; a private recital in your home with pianist Yefim Bronfman; and a half barrel of wine from California Cult Classics.

This year's raffle prize, sponsored by Tiffany & Company, is a pair of diamond and platinum mini swirl earrings and a heart pendant valued at over $12,000. The event has been sponsored under the Distinguished Patronage of Lewis Lukens, Consul General of the United States of America, and Mrs. Lucy Lukens.

Symphony Lovers' Ball is organized by select volunteers (Lovers' Ball Committee) to help raise funds for the Vancouver Symphony. Last year, the event was successful in netting over $400,000. This funding helps support the VSO's performances each season of more than 140 concerts featuring over 50 celebrated guest artists attended by more than 200,000 people in 13 venues throughout the Lower Mainland. It also contributes to VSO education programs that reach more than 50,000 students each year. Since its inception in 1991, the Symphony Lovers' Ball has netted over $3.5 million in support of the Vancouver Symphony's many projects and continuing operations. -- www.vancouversymphony.ca