Tiffany & Co. Celebrates the Symphony

“There’s nothing stuffy about it. Traditional instruments can play surprising music and that’s really fun.” – Suzanne Sarver, CSO

Last evening two violins, one viola and a cello delicately rocked the room with music from Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles and the Eagles. It was a teaser for the upcoming Colorado Symphony Orchestra Ball: From Bach . . . To Rock: The Battle of the Bands. Tiffany & Co. in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center provided a sparkling location for the gathering. Among hundreds of perfectly cut diamond rings, stunning necklaces and brilliant sterling silver frames, guests enjoyed drinks and delicious hors d’oeuvres created by Catering by Design. Women tried on earrings and bracelets as on-lookers cooed at the beauty of the pieces. But, the conversation was mostly around the excitement of the soon-to-be-here Ball being held on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at Fillmore Auditorium.

“Last year, I think it’s safe to say, the CSO Ball was one of the best philanthropic events anyone in Colorado had ever been to,” said a proud Colorado Symphony CEO Jerry Kern. He’s not exaggerating, as last year the event sold-out at 1,000 people. This year promises to be doubly entertaining with Denver’s premier rock-n-roll cover band The Moderators playfully competing to be the fan favorite against the DaVita Blues All Stars.

“It’s palpable how excited we are to be a part of this event,” shared a smiling Jim Greenwood, a member of DaVita Blues.

The Moderators include CEOs from eight of Denver’s largest and smallest companies. In seven years the group has raised more than two million dollars for various charitable organizations in metro Denver. They competition – the DaVita Blues All Stars – formed more than 10 years ago and has earned accolades as finalists in competition at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH in 2006 and 2010.

“We are a community first and a company second and community cares about making people feel good,” said Kent Thiry, chairman and CEO of DaVita and co-chair of the Ball. “Music does that and therefore we feel a philosophical kinship with the symphony.”

The Ball calls for dancing. Yet, all those who move must compete with Gov. John Hickenlooper. Jerry Kern cheekily warned guests that the “dance star” didn’t get off the floor last year. This year Gov. Hickenlooper may have to quiet his feet for a moment as he is being honored with the Margaret Phipps Award.

The CSO is the region’s only full-time professional orchestra. Its mission is to create extraordinary musical experiences that transport today’s listener, from the best of the past to the edge of the future. The Colorado Symphony embraces a tradition of musical excellence by presenting a diverse array of symphonic performances throughout the year. Originally established in 1989 as the successor to the Denver Symphony, the Colorado Symphony thrives on a spirit of collaboration among musicians, staff, trustees and the community. The Colorado Symphony performs in Boettcher Concert Hall and On Location throughout the state and region with small ensembles to the full-sized orchestra. Programs include education and outreach initiatives, and concert series for all types of listeners, including Masterworks, Pops, Holiday, Family, Inside the Score and Symphony on the Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. By presenting music that is both timeless and inspiring, while taking risks with new musical collaborations and interactive concerts, the Colorado Symphony is committed to reaching global audiences with the use of state-of-the-art digital media via live streaming and concert downloads.