Melody and Harmony

The Symphony Ball returns with excellence and tone

On a mild December evening, supporters of the Nashville Symphony gathered at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center for the 38th Symphony Ball. Having taken a pause from the full ball for two years, the event returned in regal glory, co-chaired by the incredible force of Shaun Inman and Sheila Shields. Guests were in high spirits as they mixed and mingled to raise money for the Nashville Symphony. In addition to being the most recorded symphony in the world, the Nashville Symphony has a mission that weaves through its many programs: The Symphony “inspires, entertains, educates and serves through musical performance, innovation, collaboration and inclusion.”

Guests gathered in the main lobby of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center for cocktails, to catch up with old friends and pose in the Nfocus Portrait Studio, presented by The Pointe on 30A. Inside, the concert hall was beautifully transformed by Amos Gott and his team with a stunning curtain of crystals and projections of snowflakes. The blue, white and silver palette only continued the wintery theme with elegance and grace. The Nashville Symphony, led by vivacious Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, opened the dinner with performances of Peter Boyer’s “Silver Fanfare,” John William’s arrangement of Whiting’s “Hooray for Hollywood” and Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Dance Bacchanale.”

After yet another superb Kristen Winston dinner, Alan Valentine and John Huie of Creative Artists Agency honored Lady A with the Harmony Award, presented annually to “individuals who have demonstrated continued interest and support of music in our city.” Lady A performed hits like “I Run to You” and “Need You Now” as well as holiday classic “The First Noel.” Late Party guests had dinner upstairs and were were invited to stay for dancing to the rhythmic beats of The Atlanta Allstars.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND AND DANIEL MEIGS

Pam Carter, co-chairs Sheila Shields and Shaun Inman, Alan Valentine

Vicki and Rick Horne Ashley and Hunter Herring

Jennifer Puryear, Dallas Wilt, Laurie Seabury

Todd and Sharon Sandahl,

Andrea and Greg Powell LaDonna Boyd Cory and Bari Beasley Jere and Linda Ervin

Marc and Donna LaGasse, Janet and Earl Bentz Jim Seabury, Betsy Wills, Bob and Sue Mendes

Barbara and Jack Bovender

Steven Tunis and Theresa Sebastian, Dania and Winston Justice John and Christina Carter Cash, Keith and Nancy Gregg

LoLita Toney, Kristen Hood, Adrianna Rivas, Ivorin Jones

Ryan Lipscomb and Casey Chauvet-Lipscomb, Nancy and Mark Peacock Donnie and Kayla Counts John and Julie Schneider