Eugene Symphony Guild wins Spotlight Award from League of American Orchestras
The Spotlight Award is given by the Volunteer Council for the Guild’s virtual Music in the Garden 2021 programming
As more and more events were either transitioned to virtual-only or cancelled altogether amidst the global pandemic, in 2021, the Eugene Symphony Guild knew that they would need to get creative with their annual fundraiser. They succeeded, creating the Virtual Music in the Garden 2021 in late June, an hour-long video featuring six beautiful Eugene gardens, classical music played by Eugene Symphony musicians, and introductory remarks by Eugene Symphony Music Director & Conductor Francesco-Lecce Chong. The video, released through Youtube, is still available to view for free.
The Guild’s efforts have now been recognized by the Volunteer Council of the League of American Orchestras, winning them the Spotlight Award, shared among seven other volunteer organizations. The Spotlight Award recognizes outstanding projects mounted by volunteer organizations from around the country to help ensure the success of their affiliated orchestras. This award is given to projects that have contributed to the success of an overall initiative or for a noteworthy tactic or activity, with projects selected based on originality, volunteer involvement, adaptability, and the overall success of the project in meeting its goals.
The Guild will receive the award at the League’s National Conference in June 2022.
“Eugene Symphony Guild is honored to receive the spotlight award from the Volunteer Council,” says Sandra Weingarten, Eugene Symphony Guild President. “It acknowledges the hard work and ingenuity of our volunteer guild and our ongoing support for Eugene Symphony.”
Shortly after receiving the award, the Guild will host this year’s in-person Music in the Garden, a self-guided tour of private gardens in Springfield’s historic Washburne District, complemented
by Eugene Symphony musicians, a Master Gardener at every location, and a plant sale. The event will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2022, from 10 am to 4 pm.
“After a two-year hiatus, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eugene Symphony Guild members are thrilled to once again be conducting our popular Music in the Garden fundraiser in person this Spring,” says Sally Robinson, Chair of Music in the Garden 2022. “Five lovely and unique gardens in the historic Washburne district of Springfield will be open on Sunday, June 12, between 10 am and 4 pm. All will feature local musicians and artisans, and be within walking distance of each other, for a true ‘Garden Walk’ experience.”
EUGENE SYMPHONY GUILD MUSIC IN THE GARDEN 2022
June 12, 2022
10 am-4 pm
Springfield Historic Washburne District
Prices: $18 in advance, $20 the day of event, children 10 and under $5
Pony House Garden
Stucky Garden
Berger Garden
Paz Garden
Sage Garden
Media Opportunities: High-resolution photos and interviews are available upon request. Contact Marketing & Communications Manager Julie Winsel at 541-687-9487 ext. 1106 or by email at julie.winsel@eugenesymphony.org
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove, and Coburg garden centers, including McKenzie Honey Farm, Gray’s Garden Center, Johnson Brothers Garden Market, True Value Hardware, Down to Earth, Jerry’s Home Improvement, Lane Forest Products, BiMart (Mohawk Blvd.), Little Red Farm Nursery, The Bookmine, and Farm Fancy, or at eugenesymphonyguild.org.
About the League of American Orchestras
The League of American Orchestras leads, supports, and champions America’s orchestras and the vitality of the music they perform. Its diverse membership of more than 1,800 organizations and individuals across North America runs the gamut from world-renowned orchestras to community groups, from summer festivals to student and youth ensembles, from conservatories to libraries, from businesses serving orchestras to individuals who love symphonic music. A national organization dedicated solely to the orchestral experience, the League is a nexus of knowledge and innovation, advocacy, and leadership advancement. Its conferences and events, award-winning Symphony magazine, website, and other publications inform people around the world about orchestral activity and developments. Founded in 1942 and chartered by Congress in 1962, the League links a national network of thousands of instrumentalists, conductors, managers and administrators, board members, volunteers, and
business partners.
About Eugene Symphony Guild
The Mission of the Eugene Symphony Guild shall be to promote the Eugene Symphony through fundraising, educational programs, and volunteer services and be an integral part of the promotion of symphonic music and music education in our community. In the 1960s, Betty Soreng was a member of the Eugene Junior League “project finding” committee. The Junior League’s goal was to launch new projects that would benefit our community by using League members, training, and funds. Betty met with Catherine Lauris and Caroline Boekelheide to discuss forming a women’s group that would help support the Eugene Symphony. They agreed to develop a plan and proceed. Pre-concert teas were given to educate adult concert goers. These early teas evolved into noon Concert Previews offered the day before each concert. The Concert Previews are now held at 7:00 PM the evening of the concert, in the Studio at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. Other Guild fundraisers through the years have included a Musical Marathon, the Concours d’Elegance at the Village Green, Symphony Runs, Christmas Walks, Spring Serenade Fashion Shows, Holiday Kitchen Tours, Cabarets, Music in the Garden, and Musical Chairs events.
About Eugene Symphony
Now in its 57th season, Eugene Symphony is an 83-member part-time orchestra based in Eugene, Oregon, led by Music Director & Conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong with a mission of enriching lives through the power of music. With the addition of virtual programming initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, Eugene Symphony reached more than 60,000 people around the world. Now back in the concert hall, Eugene Symphony presents annual classical and pops concerts, as well as music education and community engagement programs, regularly commissioning and premiering new American works, and disseminating its performances via radio broadcasts and recordings. More at eugenesymphony.org
COVID-19 Protocols
In accordance with Oregon state mandates being lifted, beginning March 12, 2022, the Hult Center for the Performing Arts and Eugene Symphony will no longer require mandatory face masks or proof of vaccination or negative COVID tests for patrons.
