Amarillo Symphony Guild hosts 68th annual ball with 'Kyoto in Bloom'

Brianna Maestas, Amarillo Globe-News
·3 min read

The Amarillo Symphony Guild is hosting its 68th annual symphony ball, with this year's theme "Kyoto, in Bloom," to be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel on Saturday, Feb. 4.

The sold-out event will include a night of new beginnings, kicking off with a cocktail hour and sushi, leading to a seated dinner provided by the Embassy, before the viewing of the illuminated Sakura inspired by the Japanese tradition of Hanami. After dinner, attendees are invited to enjoy the blooming of the flowers, representing the changing of seasons and welcoming of spring, with music provided by the Dallas' premier party band, Jordan Kahn Music Company of Georgia Bridgewater Orchestra.

"This event is really inspired by the Japanese culture of celebrating the changing of the season as spring blooms. It's like a new rebirth in Kyoto each year when the cherry blossoms bloom, and we wanted to represent that this year with the symphony, symbolizing a new year and a new season," said Kelsey Vanderdussen, Co-chair of the Amarillo Symphony Guild.

Attendees will "stop and smell the roses" and welcome the coming of spring as the Amarillo Symphony Guild hosts its sold-out 68th annual Symphony Ball "Kyoto, in Bloom," at the Embassy Suites Hotel Feb. 4.
Attendees will "stop and smell the roses" and welcome the coming of spring as the Amarillo Symphony Guild hosts its sold-out 68th annual Symphony Ball "Kyoto, in Bloom," at the Embassy Suites Hotel Feb. 4.
Attendees will "stop and smell the roses" and welcome the coming of spring as the Amarillo Symphony Guild hosts its sold-out 68th annual Symphony Ball "Kyoto, in Bloom," at the Embassy Suites Hotel Feb. 4.
Attendees will "stop and smell the roses" and welcome the coming of spring as the Amarillo Symphony Guild hosts its sold-out 68th annual Symphony Ball "Kyoto, in Bloom," at the Embassy Suites Hotel Feb. 4.

During the ball, the Symphony will also host its longtime Amarillo tradition of presenting this year's Belles and Beaux, who serve as ushers throughout the Symphony's concert season. Along with the presentation, proceeds from the evening provide much-needed funds for the Guild's mission, which is to promote and support the programs of the Amarillo Symphony.

"This is a really special event. We get to present our new Belles and Beaux, and we're so proud to have musicians and the culture that we get, and the talent. ... The funds raised with this ball help the symphony with their bottom line and expenses to bring the the awesome talent and world-class conductors to Amarillo and give us the entertainment that we all know and love watch year," said Rachelle Tuls, Co-chair of the Amarillo Symphony Guild.

In total, the Guild is expecting upwards of 600 guests in attendance, each prepared to celebrate the changing into spring and welcoming of the new Symphony season.

Attendees will "stop and smell the roses" and welcome the coming of spring as the Amarillo Symphony Guild hosts its sold-out 68th annual Symphony Ball "Kyoto, in Bloom," at the Embassy Suites Hotel Feb. 4.
Attendees will "stop and smell the roses" and welcome the coming of spring as the Amarillo Symphony Guild hosts its sold-out 68th annual Symphony Ball "Kyoto, in Bloom," at the Embassy Suites Hotel Feb. 4.
Attendees will "stop and smell the roses" and welcome the coming of spring as the Amarillo Symphony Guild hosts its sold-out 68th annual Symphony Ball "Kyoto, in Bloom," at the Embassy Suites Hotel Feb. 4.
Attendees will "stop and smell the roses" and welcome the coming of spring as the Amarillo Symphony Guild hosts its sold-out 68th annual Symphony Ball "Kyoto, in Bloom," at the Embassy Suites Hotel Feb. 4.

For the month of February, the Amarillo Symphony will host several upcoming concert events, including "Handel: Great Keyboard Suites," on Feb. 11 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Amarillo College Concert Hall; and "Star Wars and Beyond: An evening of John Williams," on Feb 24 at 6 and 8:30 p.m. at the Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium.

Due to ongoing repairs at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, the "Star Wars" concerts were moved to the Civic Center, and Friday night patrons were automatically placed in the 6 p.m. performance, with Saturday night patrons placed in the 8:30 p.m. performance. Those who need more information are asked to call the Symphony office at 806-376-8782.

"Our family loves the orchestra and their concerts. ... Amarillo is so privileged to have access to this, and it's something we don't have to travel for. We can see things and concerts from New York that are just as wonderful here in Amarillo," Vanderdussen said.

For more information, or to make a donation, visit the Amarillo Symphony online at https://amarillosymphony.org/ .

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo Symphony Guild welcomes new beginnings with 'Kyoto in Bloom'