Heartland Symphony Orchestra fundraiser at Cragun's Resort

Quote of the Day:  Beethoven is a miracle. Music is so beautiful. Where we can play, it can't be so terrible. The music. The music! Even thinking of music makes me happy. Music is a dream. It is the only thing that helps me to have Hope...God. Alice Herz-Sommer, oldest living Holocaust survivor and piano player. Watch the video interview on Youtube. 

Last night, at Cragun's Resort, near Brainerd, MN, we had a chance to experience music and fine dining and support the Heartland Symphony Orchestra. What a gorgeous night! The food was delicious, the music delightful. The people who gathered to support the arts in our area were happy and friendly. From donated silent auction items to the gift of music and the excellent cuisine, we were all well-fed, body, mind, and spirit. Here are a few highlights.

Dutch Cragun visiting with the HSO conductor Sergey Bogza.

He is a Russian-born American with a passion for music.

Two beautiful supporters of the arts, especially music, Cleo and Krista.

Awaiting their gorgeous sound.

Bobbi French, Paul Anderson and Sergey Bogza playing "Sonata in G Minor for Violin and Viola" by Georg Phillipp Telemann. This musical selection was served with the Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup).

I'd like a second helping, please.

The Cragun's table, toasting this splendid event.

Sergey Bogza playing "October" from The Seasons by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. 

You haven't heard that composer's name said properly until you've heard it from a native speaking Russian!

This selection was served the the Salat (cold crab and rice).

A bit of October for the ears and the tongue.

Sergey kindly stopped at our table to visit.

He describes his mother as "A Soul Person," a mother and a lover of music and the arts.

I'd like to think of myself as a "Soul Person" as well.

Our high school band director Chris Fogederud on the trumpet, his wife Sarah with her trombone, and Sergey on the piano for the main course, Steak and "An Elizabethan Songbook."

Yep. It was as delicious as it looks.

A couple folks getting into the spirit of the evening.

From Austria, we had Braised Knockwurst with cabbage and apples and Mozart's "Clarinet concert in A Major" played by Jeanne Rohr on the clarinet and Cindy Koopmann on the piano.

Almost all the talking stopped and barely a fork was lifted as we savored this song.

Betty and Deb handed out the door prizes.

I won the fall arrangement...and forgot it on my table!

Ah, I'll track it down. It's lovely. Thank you to the person who donated it!

The sweet French dessert accompanied this duo: Kaarin Hanske on the oboe and Amber Tappe playing the harp: Algues: 7 pieces pour hautbois et petite harpe by Bernard Andres.

I tried for an artistic angle of the harpist.

Cleo, Sergey, and Krista

Amber kindly posed for me with her harp. 

She is a music therapist for the central Minnesota area and explained to us why the harp is such a soothing instrument. Thanks to all of you for sharing the gift of music, tonight, and with the HSO.

The next performance for the Heartland Symphony Orchestra is December 7 & 8.

Saturday, December 7, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. LITTLE FALLS
Charles D. Martin Auditorium
Little Falls High School
1001 5th Avenue SE
Little Falls, MN

Sunday, Decemer 8, 2013 – 2:30 p.m. BRAINERD
Tornstrom Auditorium
Washington Educational Building
804 Oak Street
Brainerd, MN

In the Spring, HSO will be showcasing winners of a composer's competition. They have already received entries from Greece, Australia, Denmark, and Germany.

The next dinner fundraiser event for HSO will be the first weekend in February, 2014. Hope to see you there!

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What food would you pair with your favorite music?