Lauren and Vaughan Goettler love the Niagara Symphony Orchestra — Lauren describes a dinner out at their favourite restaurant in St. Catharines and an opportunity to follow that with a symphony as a perfect evening for them.
But there are many people who are missing out on the magic of the symphony, says Lauren, and she and Vaughan are determined to do what they can to help, including welcoming about 125 guests to Willowmere Haven, their rural farm on Line 6, for a live performance by members of the orchestra.
“I want to bring more awareness of the symphony to this town. We have so much to offer here. I hope to also open some eyes to the beauty of the symphony,” she says.
This will be the second year the Goettlers have hosted an event for the symphony on their charming Line 6 rural farm, but this one will be different — she is aiming for elegant and sophisticated. “It will be very impactful,” Lauren says, “with a real ‘wow’ effect. The symphony is fine music, and the event will be very classy, as a symphony event should be. Even though it’s outdoors, the tea will be served in china cups and saucers, and we’re hoping everyone will wear their best hats.”
Guests will be welcomed with a glass of bubbly, and the afternoon will include wine, more bubbly, a selection of teas to enjoy, and towers of sweet and savoury sandwiches and the best desserts to be found.
There will also be a silent auction with some interesting items available, including a treatment at the Elixir Beauty Mixology Spa in Niagara Falls, and a gift certificate for Casa Mia Ristorante, also in the Falls.
A live auction will include “experiences” offered by the Goettlers — time on their yacht is one for the winning bid and their guests. Also up for auction is a chance to enjoy the Goettlers’ California home for a week, in La Jolla, just steps from the beach.
The event is a unique experience to see the Goettlers’ rural property, and to hear the symphony in a picturesque outdoor environment, surrounded by nature. There will also be time to stroll around a large, beautifully landscaped pond with swans who call it home, and for those who choose to, an opportunity to visit a myriad of farm animals, including sheep, goats, horses, chickens and even pigs.
The bubbly, Lauren explains, is offered courtesy of Lailey Winery, with their new series of sparkling wines.
Bradley Thachuk, in his 14th season as artistic leader and conductor for the 2023-2024 season, is grateful to have funding directed to the orchestra’s educational and youth programs, including the NSO’s Summer Music Camp. Families from the Niagara Region and beyond get to work with professional musicians and music educators, make friends, attend recitals, and perform in camp concerts.
He explains it’s become the responsibility of cultural organizations such as the symphony to ensure the next generation receives education in the arts, he says, with so little musical education available to them. “It’s important that they have some level of music in their lives. Kids do better with music in their lives,” he says, “yet many don’t have access to it.”
The symphony is committed to its music camp, and although there is a charge for it, there are also bursaries for those who can’t afford the cost, and the Goettlers’ event will help send more children to camp.
Thachuk has selected three ensembles to perform at Willowmere Haven.
He has chosen the musicians, he says, but they will choose what they play, with a goal of having the music front and centre, with the full attention of the audience — it’s not meant to be played as background music off in a corner.
And he’s pleased with the attention to detail that has gone into the planning of the afternoon.
“This is a great event,” he says, “for a great cause. I’m really impressed by what Lauren and the committee have put into it, taking it to the next level.”
“It’s the kind of event I would want to go to, even if I wasn’t obligated to,” he jokes.
Bubbly, Tea and Symphony is July 29, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $125. For more information and to order tickets visit the website.
