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Daniel Meigs
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On Saturday, December 13, the Nashville Symphony hosted the 41st annual Symphony Ball at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The white-tie fundraising gala began with cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres from Kristen Winston Catering in the Main Lobby. Co-chairs Grace Awh and Sarah Ingram were inspired by a Viennese waltz for the evening, and event planner Bruce Pittman executed their vision with a grand Viennese waltz painting in the Lobby, draped in florals, calligraphed escort cards modeled after 19th century dance cards, and candlelit tables topped with lush, colorful florals.
As guests enjoyed a three-course dinner from Kristen Winston Catering in Laura Turner Concert Hall, they were serenaded by the Craig Duncan Orchestra, performing from the loge boxes. Following dinner, Nashville Symphony CEO and President Alan D. Valentine presented the first of the evening’s two Harmony Awards to the Grand Ole Opry. Associate Producer for Show Development Ashley Judd accepted the award on the Opry's behalf before legendary Opry members Riders in the Sky performed "Back in the Saddle Again" and "Ghost Riders in the Sky" accompanied by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, led by pops conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez. The second Harmony Award was presented to award-winning producer and singer-songwriter T Bone Burnett, who performed "He Came Down" and "The First Light of Day." The evening concluded with a lively Late Party, where guests danced the night away on the Schermerhorn stage to upbeat cover tunes from the Craig Duncan Orchestra. Much to the delight of the crowd, Nashville CEO and President Alan D. Valentine — who is retiring in 2026 after 28 years leading the Nashville Symphony — surprised everyone by joining the band on drums for a couple of songs. As guests departed, they enjoyed hot Krystal burgers and Krispy Kreme doughnuts as a late-night snack.