Orchestra of Southern Utah: May 2019

The Orchestra of Southern Plans For a Fun Evening

with the 5^th Annual Silver and Gold Soirée

By Tanisa Crosby

While the Orchestra of Southern Utah (OSU) has wrapped up the 2018-2019 concert season, the Orchestra certainly isn’t finished for the year. The fifth annual Silver and Gold Soiree will takes place on Friday, May 31, at 5-7 P.M. at the Barn at Cedar Meadows. The Orchestra of Southern Utah enjoys the spring months leading into summer for many reasons, but the biggest one is the Silver and Gold Soiree that has become a fun and unique event. It features a variety of art forms, including music and art, and is also a chance for those who support the Orchestra to get to know the members off the stage.

Suzanne Tegland, an OSU Board Member, OSU Violinist, and Soiree Director, has been diligently preparing for this year’s magical evening. In 2015, the OSU Board sat down for a meeting to discuss that year’s new season. It was there, that Suzanne had the idea about creating an event where patrons and musicians could interact was brought up. With the help of Ariel Rhodes, OSU Flautist and Woodwind Section Leader, Suzanne and Ariel set up the first Soiree for the end of the concert season in the spring. Since that first year, the Soiree has become an ongoing event and allows for patrons and those who attend the concerts a chance to get to know the Orchestra. “We wanted an event that got closer interaction with the musicians and the people who come to the concerts.” Tegland said, “Often, those who attend the concert don’t have the opportunity to really socialize with the Orchestra members. There’s those on the stage and those in the audience and after a concert there’s not a lot of time to socialize. The Soiree gets rid of that boundary and allows for those in the audience and those on stage to interact in an open setting.”

The Soiree also acts as a fundraiser for the Orchestra, helping to fund music rental and purchase costs and helping to keep ticket prices down. “Ticket sales only cover about 10-15% of operating costs.” Tegland explained, “The Soiree helps fill-in funds that help keep ticket prices down and allows for free tickets to be given for the 4^th Grade VIP Passports.” The biggest part of the Soiree comes from those who donated to the event providing for the silent auction and the drawing. There are artworks, gift certificates and baskets that have been donated for this event. “It’s a fun evening out and it’s light,” said Tegland. “We planned it for an early evening, so that those who attend can add it to their evening activities. People can easily still go out to dinner and catch a movie, but still attend. People do need to be present for the drawings but not for the silent auction, which allows an open come and go feel. There will be live music, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and hors d’oeuvres.” Red Acre Farms are providing refreshments with their unique locally sourced and regionally recognized delicacies.

The Silver and Gold Soiree will take place on Friday, May 31^st, from 5-7 P.M. at The Barn at Cedar Meadows, located on 1419 W 3000 N, Cedar City (corner of Bulldog Rd. and 3000 N). Tickets cost $10 per person. Tickets are mandatory for entry to the event and must be purchased in advance. The Orchestra is still accepting donations for the drawings and silent auction. To purchase tickets or to make a donation, please call OSU Manager Rebekah Hughes at 435-590-6829 or contact Suzanne Tegland. Further information: osucedarcity@gmail.com

Thanks to all who participate in this annual event and special thanks to our donors, musicians, and patrons. Items will continue to be updated so check back to the blog.

Special Note to OSU Season Ticket Holders: Your voucher with your season tickets serves as a ticket

New Items Update 5/30

Three Watercolors by Larry Laskowski: https://www.artworkscedarcity.com/larry-laskowski

Limited edition collectible plates thanks to Megan Marshall

Thanks to Shelley Bradshaw for a Mary Kay basket

Thanks to OSU musician Maylene Ferrin for these handmade toys.

New Items Update 5/29

Pastel by Arlene Braithwaite

Oil painting by Nick Froyd

Painting donated by Scott Phillips

Woodblock cards by Ron Wolter

Stamp Collector Art donated by OSU musician Kaer Neumann

New items added this week (5/25 update)
Utah Shakespeare Festival: 2 tickets to a play, 2 tickets to backstage tour, and 2 tickets for Repertory Magic
Gift certificates from Stitching it Up, French Spot, Centro Woodfired Pizzeria, Chef Alfredo's, Brodys, and the Grind Coffeehouse
Gift baskets: Red Acre Farms, Huntin' Fool, Charleys Southern BBQ, Jackson Dry Cleaners, and Great Harvest
Musician Donations: Tickets to Megaplex, Mary Kay Basket,
Tickety Boo Pies: Two Homemade Pies
Rent Wapoworks: weighted blanket
Books, handmade cards, baby quilt and more donated.

Super thanks to everyone who is helping and all donors

Pastel by local artist Steve Yates

Baltic amber pendant with gradated amber bead chain from Castro & Co. Jewelers

Mixed media piece by local artist Diane Walsh

Baltic amber pendant with cord from Castro & Co. Jewelers

Thanks to Melissa Palmer for the framed art print donation.

Thanks to Lisa Crestsinger for a large donation of CDs, blues book and trumpet t-shirt. Two baskets of music from Groovacious will be part of the silent auction.