What a joy this night will be,” exclaimed George Majoue, executive director of the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society, as he presided over the organization’s 10th anniversary celebration.
Entertainment-wise and food-wise, George was right on target.
Accomplished pianist Lynne Garret accompanied accomplished violinist Brynn Albanese for the musical program that followed an excellent dinner: filet mignon, halibut, or a vegetarian plate. Portions were generous, and the salad was wonderful.
Both Garrett and Albanese delighted audiences in last year’s free Sunday afternoon concert series at the mall. They also were one of the live auction items: the winning bidder would receive a private concert at home.
Majoue told the audience of 130 or so that this year’s Philharmonic Society Annual Fundraising Dinner, “Treasures of Wonder” (held Saturday night, Jan. 22 at the Country Club), was the best attended of all the dinners put on during his tenure.
During the no-host bar cocktail hour, Jimmy Enos played the piano while treasure hunters perused the silent auction tables. Among the temptations were tickets to the Dr. Phil Show and The Doctors tapings in Los Angeles.
Responding to a call for help during the dinner set-up (an all-day activity), Women’s Network board members—a band of troupers to be sure—came to the rescue and volunteered much-needed womanpower.
Interior decorator Katherine Davis and maker-of-dazzling-jewelry Sharon Duncan worked with the Philharmonic’s Diane Beebe to distribute table centerpieces and arrange the silent auction tables, while WN member and professional photographer Heidi Gruetzemacher donated her time to take pictures of the event.
The Philharmonic’s musical director, John Farrer, a very pleasant and highly approachable man, was on hand for the festivities and sat at a table hosted by Judge Jed Beebe.
At my lively table, guests enjoyed conversation with Dr. Marcus and Joanna Engelmann (he’s on Hancock music faculty and the Philharmonic board of directors), Dr. Robert and Louisa Hammond, Jack and Karen Mayes, and Jack Logan.
In the event aftermath, as successful auction bidders stood in line to claim their loot, the exuberant Ruth Ann Ontell, preparing for her upcoming role as mother of the bridegroom, discussed possible wedding arrangements with Santa Maria Inn owners Judy and Hardy Hearn.
Lompoc’s Deacon Dean Willis waited patiently as his fiancé, board member Nadine Caldwell, performed board duties by escorting arrivals to their tables. Former board member Evelyn Dykema was responsible for the program catalogue.
Auctioneer John Glines presided over a live auction that included a most delicious live auction item: a dessert every month for a year. This came with a gorgeous, freshly baked lemon meringue pie that the winning bidder immediately claimed.
Overall live auction results, however, can only be described as disappointing. The Philharmonic is having serious cash flow problems that this event didn’t meet.
Concerned readers who would greatly mourn a community without a symphony concert season can call Majoue at the Philharmonic office (925-0412) and perhaps offer a monetary life jacket to help keep this astonishing, classy, cultural asset in place.
For a city the size of Santa Maria to have a Philharmonic orchestra with an exciting concert season is truly amazing. If the Philharmonic disappears for want of funds, we will be a lesser community.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 3, 2011.
