CEDAR CITY — While the Orchestra of Southern Utah has wrapped up the 2018-19 concert season, the orchestra isn’t finished for the year.
The fifth annual “Silver and Gold Soiree” takes place Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the Barn at Cedar Meadows in Cedar City. It will feature a variety of art forms, including music, paintings and photography. Guests will also have a chance to get to know orchestra members off the stage.
According to a press release from OSU, when the orchestra board of directors sat down for a meeting in 2015 to discuss that year’s new season, the idea to create an event where patrons and musicians could interact was brought up. It was at that point that Suzanne Tegland, an OSU board member, violinist and current soiree director, set up the first event for the end of the concert season in the spring with the help of Ariel Rhodes, OSU flutist and woodwind section leader.
Since that first year, the Silver and Gold Soiree has become an ongoing event and allows for patrons and those who attend the concerts a chance to get to know the orchestra and browse and bid on artwork and other items.
“We wanted an event that got closer interaction with the musicians and the people who come to the concerts.” Tegland said in the press release. “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 keeping ticket prices down.
“Ticket sales only cover about 10-15% of operating costs,l” Tegland said. “The Soiree helps fill in funds that keep ticket prices down and allows for free tickets like the 4th Grade VIP Passport.”
The biggest part of the soiree comes from those who donated to the event providing for the silent auction and the drawing, the press release said, including artworks, gift certificates and baskets.
“It’s a fun evening out and it’s light,” Tegland said. “It takes place early in the evening, so that those who attend can add it to other evening activities. People can easily still go out to dinner and catch a movie, and still attend the Soiree.”
Tegland said attendees need to be present for the drawings but not for the silent auction, which allows for “an open come and go feel.” There will also be live music, beverages (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and hors d’oeuvres.
Tickets to the Silver and Gold Soiree are $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 435-590-6829.
Event details
- What: Orchestra of Southern Utah 5th annual “Silver and Gold Soiree.”
- When: Friday, May 31, from 5-7 p.m.
- Where: Barn at Cedar Meadows, 1419 W. 3000 North, Cedar City.
- Tickets to the Silver and Gold Soiree are $10 per person and must be purchased in advance by calling 435-590-6829.
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