Avenue Magazine Edmonton

When you hear the silky smooth jazz sounds of the saxophone played by Canadian jazz legend and Juno winner P.J. Perry, you know that you’re in the right place. The Winspear Centre played host to an intimate evening of good food, music and friends for the first fundraising event of the year for the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra on Jan. 30. The Flavours of B.C.’s Naramata Bench Wine-Tasting Fundraiser, Live and Silent Auction was a big hit among the 300 guests who mingled and danced to the sweet sounds of the John Taylor Trio and other featured musicians. The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s long-standing commitment to the arts in the city has created a strong alliance with performers. Past performers at the symphony include cellist Yo-Yo Ma in 2007 and soprano Renée Fleming in 2008, both of whom were featured artists at U.S. President Barack Obama’s inauguration event this year in Washington, D.C. More than $60,000 was raised on the evening for the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The wonderful synergy among volunteers, donors and sponsors made this evening a success.