Evening of elegance for Cascade Symphony’s ‘Emerald Jubilee’

Posted: October 10, 2016 2719
CSO Executive Director Roberta McBride pictured here with her husband Bob McBride; daughter Heidi McBride Fritts and son-in-law Steve Fritts.
CSO Executive Director Roberta McBride pictured here with her husband Bob McBride; daughter Heidi McBride Fritts and son-in-law Steve Fritts.

An elegant signature set off Sunday evening’s Emerald Jubilee, Cascade Symphony Orchestra’s 2016 gala dinner and auction.

Attended by 200 nattily-attired musicians and community members, the venue for the gala was accented in classic black and white with shimmering emerald green contrasts, drawing attention to the orchestra’s rich 55-year history.

Highlights of the evening included silent and live auctions; a video retrospective of CSO’s history, music by David Little, and a performance by Sempre Sisters, Charlotte Marckx and Olivia Marckx, a CSO Rising Star recipient.

David Little who offered piano reprises, is pictured here with his wife Tracy (Right, in blue).
David Little who offered piano reprises, is pictured here with his wife Tracy (Right, in blue).

The boisterous and vigorous live auction raised over $20,000 for the orchestra with the proceeds of the silent auction, donations from the floor, and a pick-your-square game adding to the financial success of the gala.

The event was attended by CSO board members including board president Arnie Gunderson, and community leaders Carol Kinney and Doug Lofstrom (Windermere Edmonds). Greg Urban, and Jan Nicholas represented the Edmonds Chamber. Also in attendance was John Delo, whose gift to the Seattle Symphony Orchestra endows Miropolsky’s chair as Assistant Principal Second Violin.

Maestro Michael Miropolsky was accompanied to the Gala by Liza Plotkin.
Maestro Michael Miropolsky was accompanied to the Gala by Liza Plotkin.

Rick Steves, a generous patron of Cascade Symphony Orchestra, addressed the gathering in remarks made during the video retrospective. Music director and conductor Michael Miropolsky endeared those attending by revealing his first impressions of the orchestra, noting the commitment and loyalty of its members; some of whom in attendance at last night’s celebration chartered the organization (Clydia Pappenfus, Kathy Moellenberndt, Norma Dermond, and Ellen Lund). Executive Director Roberta McBride, attending with her husband Bob McBride, joined the organization in its second year.

Tickets to this year’s performances by Cascade Symphony Orchestra are available at this link. Highlights of the season include the additional of a second holiday pops performance, a children’s concert, violin festival and ensembles.

— Story and photos by Emily Hill

CSO board members Jo and Bruce Caldwell.
CSO board members Jo and Bruce Caldwell (center of photo)
Olivia Marckx (a Rising Star recipient) completed the musical program with traditional and contemporary tunes on violin and cello.
Olivia Marckx (a Rising Star recipient) completed the musical program with traditional and contemporary tunes on violin and cello.
The evening's festivities began with champagne and a silent auction offering abundant selections.
The evening’s festivities began with champagne and a silent auction offering abundant selections.

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