On Saturday February 11th, 2017, the Union Symphony Society hosted a Valentine’s Gala “From Russia with Love”. The evening featured an extensive silent auction, performances by the Vivace Strings, the Union Symphony Brass Quintet, and a special appearance by the Union County Youth Ballet.

Jason & Kathy Wiskow bid on the silent auction. “We were invited by a good friend. Had a great time at the masquerade ball last year and wanted to come again.”

Beth Joy directs some chamber groups for the Union Symphony and is also on the Symphony League. She works with the Allegro strings, 36 kids from 5-15, who are ready to perform anywhere! She also works with an Irish fiddle group who would love to perform. Both groups are part of the Union Symphony Chamber Groups.

Jason & Kathy Wiskow admire art included in the silent auction. “We were invited by a good friend. Had a great time at the masquerade ball last year and wanted to come again.”

Attendees mingle during the Cocktail and Hors d’oeuvers hour.

Martha and Russ Asti check in. “We came to support the Union Symphony orchestra and the Arts in Union County.”

The Vivace Strings Quartet (Sarah Austin, violin; Talon Stanley, violin; Rebecca grant, viola; Jessica Meyer, cello) perform during the Cocktail and Hors d’oeuvers hour.

(LtR) Jonathan Pharr, Maria Pharr, Laura Byrd, & Gary Henderson. Laura Byrd says, “I wanted to be involved in a great event that gives back to the community.” Maria Pharr is the new president of the South Piedmont Community College.

Cora Faison chooses her bottle of wine from the Wine Grab. “We came last year and it was a very nice event. We like to support the symphony.” Sarah Summers & Sarah Towner are volunteers from Wingate University and are part of Sigma Alpha Iota (Mu Lambda Chapter).

(RtL) Donna Stepp, Leah Austin, Jordan Griffin, & Corey Cohen. Donna is part of the Stepp Law Group who sponsors the event. “We support them because I have practiced in the community for 25 years and I want to give back.”

(LtR) Kim Wolfe, Caleb Barnhardt, Gary Bodford, Janice Bodford.

Dancers from the Union County Ballet line up for their dinner performance.

Dancers from the Union County Ballet pose before performing their dinner performance.

The Stepp Law Group is presented with a gift of appreciation for their support of the Union Symphony.

7712, 7718, 7727 – Dancers from the Union County Youth Ballet perform during the dinner.

The Union Symphony Brass Quartet accompanies the Union County Youth Ballet.

Kim Norwood, Executive Chair, addresses the room during the dinner of the Union Symphony Valentine’s Gala.

Flowers are presented to Sheri Martinez, Gala Committee Chair.

Nutcracker Open committee is presented with a Nutcracker.

Sarah Summers collects for Fund The Need to support the Union Symphony with a donation from Jimmy Knowlewood

Molly Nordberg, Wynnie Billups, Sarah Towner, & Katie Lavender work the check out table.

Gary Henderson, Chris Martinez, Bryan Musgrave, Matthew Belk Sr, and dealer Robert Freeman play blackjack at the Union Symphony Society Valentines Gala

(LtR) Lucas Helms, Mackenna King, Sophia King, and Isabella King sell raffle tickets chips for the game room.

Couples dance at the Union Symphony Society Valentines Gala.

Kim Norwood, Executive Director of the Union Symphony, and Jimmy Norwood.

Chips from the Game Room could be exchanged for raffle tickets.

Gala attendees enjoy the Roulette wheel in the Game Room.