The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra is planning a very regal celebration to mark its 75th anniversary.
President and CEO Jessica Ishmael they’re going to hold a Regency Ball in October. The gala is partly inspired by the TV series, Bridgerton, and Ishmael says the SMSO is inviting attendees to get dressed up in appropriate attire for an evening of music, dance, and goodwill.
“A milestone like the 75th, where you’re not just looking back, but what’s next? What’s coming forward? This just seemed like the perfect tone, the perfect theme to bring people together and set the tone for what we want our next to be,” Ishmael said.
Ishmael says the celebration comes as the SMSO closes out a successful Save the Symphony campaign, and it will serve as a fundraiser for the symphony orchestra moving forward. Berrien County Commissioner Mamie Yarbrough will be honored as the evening’s queen, embodying the symphony’s mission of “Transforming ALL Lives Through Music.”
“It just made perfect sense and felt so obvious. I’m so glad that she said yes, because she was my absolute first pick to go to, to ask if she would consider being our queen, because she represents a community that needs to have more of a voice, more of a representation at the table.”
Ishmael says tickets to the October 11 ball are available now online. The celebration will be held at the Aria at The Whitcomb in downtown St. Joseph and will begin with cocktail hour at 5 p.m. for VIPs, followed by general admission at 6.
The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra has information on its website to help guests get into costume for the affair.
