The Schenectady Symphony Orchestra has sold raffle tickets. It’s held garage sales. But the biggest event, year after year, is its luncheon and fashion show.
Now entering its 53rd year, the fashion show brings in as much as $10,000 to $15,000. That’s money that helps keep the symphony afloat even as the arts founder elsewhere.
It’s just so important to all of us to have this symphony, said Anne Phaup-Phillips. `We can’t imagine not having it.`
It’s been a long time since the area hasn’t had the symphony. Established in 1934, the orchestra has more than 70 members, playing violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, harp, piano and percussion instruments.
Behind the scenes, more than 200 people make up the orchestra’s fundraising arm, the League of the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra. It has its own long history, dating back to 1956.
`We all do wear many hats,` Phaup-Phillips said.
Among Phaup-Phillips’ duties is co-chairing the fashion show with Marie Gorman. Set for Monday, April 11, at the Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia, the show will feature fashions from Casual Set of Stuyvesant Plaza. Members of the league will be the models: Betty Carol Barlyn, Andrea Golub, Kate Koseneki, Fran Callahan, Lanna Jersen and Joann Paulsen.
Debbie DeLuke will commentate and Mike Purcell will provide music. Rolando of La Femme will style the models’ hair.
`The ladies come and enjoy seeing the fashions,` said Phaup-Phillips, who added that lunch is another draw. The menu typically includes soup, salad and a main course.
Another important element of the event is the silent auction.
`That’s where we make the biggest amount of our money,` Phaup-Phillips said.
Items in the auction include jewelry and gift certificates for restaurants and florists. `We buy things for baskets,` Phaup-Phillips added, noting that there is, for example, a `pamper yourself basket.`
Beyond food, fashions and auction items, the afternoon is just a fun way to support the orchestra.
`It’s a good time to socialize,` Phaup-Phillips said. `It’s just such a nice kind of spring event.`
Admission to the lunch and fashion show is $35. The event kicks off with coffee at 10 a.m., with the fashion show at 11. The luncheon starts at 12:15 p.m.
The league also holds the Anthony R. Stefan Scholarship Competition, which is open to students in grades nine through 12 who are talented orchestral musicians. Auditions are held in March and/or April, and winners perform at a league meeting.
As for the symphony, it wrapped up its 77th season on Sunday, April 3. The Mendelssohn Club of Albany joined the group for several choral selections, and the closing number was Mussorgsky’s `Pictures at an Exhibition.`
The orchestra’s next show, which marks the start of the 2011-12 season, is `An Evening of Pops, with Clint Holmes and Susanna Gabbiano.` It is set for Friday, May 13, at 8 p.m. at Proctors. The show will feature popular standards sung by Las Vegas entertainers Clint Holmes and Susanna Gabbiano. Two shows will be held on the Mainstage at Proctors: at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 13, and a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. Proceeds will benefit Proctors and the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra.
For tickets and more information, visit www.schenectadysymphony.org.“