- April 15, 2025
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Music Director Troy Quinn, violinist Karissa Ratzenboeck and Martha Whitton
Photo by Janet CombsDania Hammad and Jay Camaro, a top 40 finalist from "American Idol."
Photo by Janet CombsChristine and Chad Kasten, Sarah and Curt Kasten, and Heather and Clint Kasten admire living statue artist Timmia Cirque Vertigo.
Photo by Janet CombsJules Ha and Kory Lee
Photo by Janet CombsRick Karvelas and Bill Lummis
Photo by Janet CombsMark Creech and Liz Stamoulis appreciate the amazing and invigorating Maestro, Troy Quinn, who is in his sixth season.
Photo by Janet CombsPresenting Sponsor Bill Gill, Venice Symphony President and CEO Christine Kasten, and Board of Trustees Chair Barbara Jackson
Photo by Janet CombsMarcello Esposito and his wife, Giuseppina
Photo by Janet CombsDavid Joyner and Patrick Jaehne
Photo by Janet CombsJohn and Michelle Williams of Venice enjoy the evening with parents David and Joanne Farley.
Photo by Janet CombsElizabeth and Tyler Stephen
Photo by Janet CombsSteve Schlabach and his wife, Joleen, represent Detwelier's, and donated two surf and turf dinners for six to the live auction.
Photo by Janet CombsAuctioneering the many donations is Director of Education Tim Ferguson, whose passion contributed to the paddle raising.
Photo by Janet CombsHenry and Donna Holzapfel, whose "German last name means 'wood apple'", enjoy the Venetian Night themed gala.
Photo by Janet CombsGene McGowan, Judy Bago and Kent Crickard are neighbors from The Waterfront community.
Photo by Janet CombsEnsuring the evening went splendidly are Tracey McCammack from Michael's On East, and Event Planner Brittany Eagans from Be Wed.
Photo by Janet CombsClosed eyes would not believe vocalist David Pruyn's cover of Sinatra's "The One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else" was not 'Ol' Blue Eyes' himself.
Photo by Janet CombsEric and Tommy Gregory with Greg and Jen Douglas
Photo by Janet CombsGlenn Jackson, Alison Posner-Solares and Jon Devries
Photo by Janet CombsJay Camaro from "American Idol" gave a stellar performance much to the delight of over 300 guests at the sold out gala.
Photo by Janet CombsJay Camaro performs hit songs while engaging with the crowd, including Concertmaster Marcus Ratzenboeck.
Photo by Janet CombsMorgan Bulter, Becky Boydston, Victoria Stultz and Michelle Butler
Photo by Janet CombsThe Venice Community Center was transformed into Venice, Italy, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Venice Symphony.
Photo by Janet CombsWith more than 300 tickets sold to celebrate the Venice Symphony's 50th anniversary, there was not one guest who thought the Venice Community Center was actually in Venice, Florida. Under the direction of Sarasota event planners Be Wed, the event successfully bridged the 5,122-mile distance with everything except the physical canals and gondolas.
Living statue attractions were featured and surrounded by Italian fare mastered by the creatives at Michael's On East. A coffee bar, a gelato station with a line that only ended when the event was over, live symphony music, and guest vocalists were part of the program. Hailing from St. Petersburg, performer Jay Camaro's energy and talent featured several genres of songs, and guests were eager to meet the celebrity who has graced the stages of "American Idol," "America's Got Talent," and "The Voice."
It was going, going, gondola for Director of Education Tony Ferguson, who doubled as the auctioneer and successfully sold each donation. Excited and delighted bidders who frequently took part in a paddle frenzy were vying for items from many area country clubs and restaurants that contributed to the more than $130,000 raised from this gala.
With his sixth season underway, Music Director Troy Quinn commented on the level of support that the community provides. "The commitment to Venice Symphony is unprecedented," he said, "and we look forward to growth in the next 50 years as the crown jewel of our community."
The Venice Symphony's mission is to inspire and transform lives through exceptional musical experiences, and its vision is to unite through music.
