Nothing but the best at annual fundraiser

As the autumn leaves fall and the evenings turn chillier, think about beautiful music curling its way amongst the aromas wafting from a gourmet dinner at the Royal Colwood Golf Course.

Think about bidding on a classical guitar, a round of golf for four or two season’s tickets to the Pacific Baroque Festival.

Think about supporting one of Sooke’s finest musical treasures — the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra.

Autum Tones is the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra’s major fundraiser of the year and it is an extravagant affair full of music, food, finery and fabulous auction items.

“We’re hoping to bring up the profile for the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra,” said SPO Society member Brenda Parkinson. “We’re hoping, because it’s halfway, to bring crowds from Victoria. The SPO performs in Victoria and Metchosin.”

The private golf club is the perfect venue for an evening such as this, said Parkinson.

Its posh surroundings, great wines and food are sure to please even the most discriminating palate and musical ear.

The fundraiser is an extremely important part of the orchestra’s events.

“We almost lost our government grant, but we lucked out because we had a three-year deal,” said society manager Terry McGinty.

Grant or no grant they are looking at an operating deficit of around $8,000 and these fundraisers are one of the only ways to keep the orchestra viable and functioning.

“The price of the tickets barely covers one-third of the operating costs, which are augumented by grants,” said McGinty.

Although all of the members of the orchestra are volunteer, there are still costs involved like venue rentals, music, advertising, brochures and honorariums for soloists. The musicians have to travel from all over the area, including Port Angeles, Salt Spring Island and Mill Bay, and they are paid mileage.

The orchestra projects its expenses for the coming season to be $144,000 with projected revenue coming in at $130,000.

“We are facing a shortfall and with an event like this we hope to bridge the gap,” said McGinty. “We hope the ticket sales will remain the same as last year.”

Tickets for the gala fundraiser are $100 which includes a $50 tax receipt.

“It’s money well spent for an evening out,” said Parkinson. “Especially one of this high calibre.”

Maestro Norman Nelson always performs at the orchestra’s fundraising events.

“There’s not many events where the maestro walks among everyone and performs,” said Parkinson.

An interesting item to bid on in the silent auction is a chance to conduct the orchestra at next year’s Philly Fling at Ed Macgregor Park.

The first concert of the 2009/2010 season takes place on October 30, with the Celebration of Young Artists. This event has always been instrumental in bringing exceptional talent to the stage to perform with the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra.

For more information on Autumn Tones at the Royal Colwood Golf Course call Brenda at 250-642-5638 or Pat Phillips at 250-642-5549.