20th Annual Symphony Ball & Auction
» 2008 Auction Items |
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An elegant, entertaining and always popular event, the annual Ball and Auction is also a critical fundraiser for the Symphony. Your purchase of any of these unique and valuable items helps to raise more than $50,000 each year in support of the Symphony’s extensive artistic and music education programs reaching more than 13,000 children every year.
Enjoy this sneak preview of these 12 amazing Live Auction items and BID HIGH at the Ball!
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Tahitian Black Pearl Necklace
The signature item in this year's auction is this exotic pendant donated by Marshalls Jewelers.
Set with a large natural color Tahitian cultured black pearl, this one-of-a-kind necklace can be yours with the winning bid. The iridescent overtones of the pearl are enhanced by a sweeping 18K white gold setting with over 1 carat in natural diamonds. The pendant is suspended from a reversible white and yellow gold “Omega” style necklace that may be used with other pieces and can make a dramatic statement when worn on its own.
Valued at more than $7,500
Prior to the Ball, you may view the actual necklace by visiting Marshalls Jewelers at 751 Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo. |
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Caribbean Villas Hotel, Belize |
| Vacation in Belize
Your adventure starts here! Luxury rooms with Caribbean views on a large secluded sandy beach, all within sight of the famous Barrier Reef! With this package, you'll enjoy five nights in a one bedroom suite at the Caribbean Villas Hotel in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. Click here to tour the grounds at the Caribbean Villas website and be ready to make your bids count on February 23rd!
Donated by Linda Ashworth
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Your Own Private Personal Pops Honey Hut!
"The Mysteries of the Orient" will unfold for you if you're the lucky winner of this fabulous item. Enjoy the heavenly privacy of your own private Honey Hut all afternoon at the fabulous Symphony "Pops by the Sea" 2008 on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at the Avila Beach Resort. You'll be treated to a round trip in a 21st century version of the Orient Express--a stretch limo. Special delicacies and exotic libations will be yours to enjoy as you are swept down the coast to Pops. Your Privileged Pagoda is the most elegant and prestigious style of Honey Hut offered anywhere in the world. Little gift boxes will be tucked here and there in the divinely decadent decor of your Pagoda. At a value of $1,100, your Pagoda includes a flushing toilet with sink, soap and towels, a limousine ride to and from the concert, gifts, food and drinks. An annual tradition at the Ball, don't miss out on this dream of Pops privacy.
Generously donated by Harvey and Jennifer Smith, Harvey's Honey Huts
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A Trip to Kauai
How long since you've enjoyed the tropical paradise of Hawaii? Purchase this package and you can spend seven relaxing days on the beautiful garden island of Kauai, Hawaii. You and your friends (4 person maximum) will stay at a two bedroom, two bath, fully equipped condo in the Princeville area facing the ocean with full ocean views.
Hawaii...it's heaven on earth - BID HIGH!
Generously donated by Rod Levin and Roxanne Carr
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Fine Wine Signed by
Leno & Gates!
These two bottles were just so special we had to add them to the Live Auction! The perfect addition to your wine cellar for the wine AND for the signatures.
Bottle #1:
2003 Grgich Hills Napa Valley Merlot signed by Bill Gates
The wine's perfect marriage of ripe fruit and French oak barrels creates a bouquet of cherry and black berries with hints of cedar and spice. In the mouth this Merlot has a generous, soft, smooth texture that hugs your tongue and the flavors linger in your mouth for a long, long time. This is a Merlot that will gain in complexity and silkiness with age.
Bottle #2:
2005 Morgan Winery Double L Syrah
The 2005 Double L Syrah distinctively shows the cool climate influence, with complex blackberry and blueberry fruit on the nose and palate, with hints of white and black pepper and chocolate. The tannic structure, along with the fruit and acidity show good balance and the wine's refined, age-worthy style.
Celebrity Signatures and Wine generously donated by Sandy Dunn & Cathy Iftiniuk
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Cabo San Lucas Vacation
This great getaway package from Merikay Guhring features a 6 night stay in the 4 bedroom "Villa Fiesta" in beautiful Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This is the one to buy and enjoy with friends or the entire family clan - grandkids and all! (sleeps 10 maximum)
From its sinuous infinity pool to its tasteful sense of decor, Villa Fiesta is a first-rate Pedregal treat. Enjoy incredible Pacific Ocean whitewater views from this luxury villa. Soak up the sun on the large patio, take a few laps in the infinity pool, entertain under the shaded deck, enjoy a cool beverage at the swim-up bar, or take a stroll along the private, palm-lined beach within walking distance.
There's a nice full kitchen to make great goodies after those lazy days, and the dining is fine whether prepared—or
eaten—indoors or out. Each of its four bedrooms are open zones of comfort, and all have private baths. With 4,000 square feet indoors, there's plenty of room to play or lounge.
To top it off, the shopping, dining, and nightlife of downtown are all just a mile away.
Daily maid service, airport pick-up and a "margarita welcome" are all part of the package! All you have to do is be sure to make the highest bid, book your dates within 2 weeks of the Ball (with Merikay) and make your trip within one year. (Subject to availability; not available Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays)
Generously donated by Merikay Guhring
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Symphony at Hearst Castle
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hearst Castle’s public opening in 1958 and the 80th Anniversary of one of Marion Davies’ finest silent films, you are invited to an exclusive evening of cinema featuring director King Vidor's classic silent film comedy "Show People" starring Marion Davies and the San Luis Obispo Symphony!
Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 5 pm
Hearst Castle Theatre
The highest bid on this package wins you two front row seats for this very special evening at Hearst Castle, including:
• Pre-film reception featuring Chef Maegen Loring's hors d'oeuvre creations, paired to perfection with premium Central Coast Wines.
• Front row seats for an exclusive screening in the Hearst Castle Theatre of Show People, a classic comedy in the silent film tradition, starring Marion Davies.
• The moments of drama, of comedy, of romance and more come alive with music and sound effects performed by the San Luis Obispo Symphony under the baton of Maestro Michael Nowak.
• The evening concludes with luscious desserts and gourmet coffee at the beautiful indoor Roman Pool -- perfect for a magical ending to a once-in-a-lifetime evening!
But that's not all! You'll also enjoy:
• 2 complementary passes for the "Experience Tour" at Hearst Castle to enjoy at your leisure, complements of Friends of Hearst Castle
• Brunch for 2 at Robin's Restaurant in Cambria
Click here for more details and bid high to assure your front row seats at this exclusive event.
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Tasting Party at Saucelito Canyon
Enjoy an early evening reception for you and 19 of your closest friends at Saucelito Canyon's Biddle Ranch tasting room in the heart of the Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo County. Winemaker Amy Freeman and the rest of the staff will open the doors and create a casual, open air reception showcasing the finest wines from Saucelito Canyon, artfully matched with artisan cheeses. If you haven't tried Saucelito Canyon's Zinfandel, you haven't really had Zinfandel!
Select a date in April, then plan your guest list, complements of Saucelito Canyon Winery.
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Play a Part in the Symphony
Have you ever dreamed of performing with the orchestra? Waiting for the downbeat from the conductor, feeling the anticipation of the audience, experiencing the thrill of making live orchestral music as part of an amazing ensemble of musicians? Well, this is your chance to make that dream come true!
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Jim Black before his debut! |
| This once-in-a-lifetime auction package puts you onstage with the San Luis Obispo Symphony at a No Ties Allowed! FREE Dress Rehearsal (date tba) where an audience of over 1,000 dedicated music lovers will be in attendance as the Maestro announces the newest member of the orchestra—YOU! Orchestra members will personally assist you in your part as you take the stage for your debut.
Open to any age, any level of musical experience, you can purchase this package for your partner, your kids, your parents, that special music lover who always wanted to know what Michael Nowak looked like from the orchestras point of view, or even...yourself!
(Package includes rehearsal performance only)
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Symphony Syrah
Board President Sandy Dunn had a dream. What if the Symphony had its own wine label? What if the wine were donated? What if a young musician provided the artwork for a label? What if all the proceeds from the sale of this wine benefited Symphony Music Education programs? Well, it's all coming true in 2008.
This spring will mark the launch of our very own limited release "Symphony Syrah" that will be available for purchase by the bottle or by the case later this spring. At the Symphony Ball, we will offer to the highest bidder a generous 3 liter bottle of 2005 Symphony Syrah, bottled by Ancient Peaks Winery, with label artwork by Youth Symphony musician Caitlin Christianson and etched by Candice Norcross of Northern Cross Design Studios.
The wine for this very special limited release of Symphony Syrah was graciously donated by Ancient Peaks Winery and the cost associated with packaging has been underwritten by Clifford Chapman and Gene Shidler. The sale of this bottle and the upcoming 100 cases will benefit Symphony Music Education. Many thanks to John Stipicevich of Monterey Street Wine Co. for his assistance in this project and of course, thanks to Sandy for her dream.
Watch for news of our wine release party later this spring where you can purchase an entire case of this fine wine for friends, family and your own cellar!
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Magnum Pinot Noir
From our dear friend Archie McLaren comes this magnificent etched magnum of 2001 Edna Valley Pinot Noir from Stephen Ross Wine Cellars. Donated by this noted wine connossieur and Chairman of the Central Coast Wine Classic you can be assured this wine is among the finest Edna Valley Pinots and will be an excellent addition to any collector's cellar.
According to the tech sheet from Stephen Ross: "The 2001 Edna Valley Pinot Noir is a blend of three blocks at Edna Ranch and a small portion from Bien Nacido Vineyard. Five-ton open-top tanks were used for fermentation, the cap was punched down by hand. This was the first year that a basket press was used. It yielded very high quality press wine, which was immediately blended with the free run wine. The young wine was settled overnight and racked to barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging. Stylistically, the wine is very extracted. The color is dark ruby and purple, and the flavors are powerful: reminiscent of raspberries, cherries, and subtle oak. It is full bodied, rich with supple textures and it finishes with lingering berry flavors." (click here for more information on the wine)
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Wine Cooler
One last item to tempt you at the Ball! Once you've done all your shopping at the Wine Grotto, you are definitely going to need a compact wine cooler to store all that lovely wine! We've got the solution right here. Perfect for your kitchen or bar and courtesy of Idlers Appliances, the Central Coast's source for the finest in home appliances!
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The Symphony Ball has been generously sponsored by
Event Design by
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QUINTESSENTIAL FLORAL DESIGN |
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Champagne Reception Sponsored by
All proceeds from the Symphony Ball benefit the San Luis Obispo Symphony, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. Federal Tax ID # 95-2493144.
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