April 22, 2014

Whidbey’s Saratoga Orchestra kicks off the annual “Intermezzo V Gala” weekend from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 2 with “RHAPSODY!—an Evening of Great Food, Great Fun and Great Friends.”

Chef Vincent will exhibit his culinary talents with specially-paired wines from Vino Amore. A silent and live auction will feature many locally-sourced experiences including a private house concert featuring Gloria Ferry-Brennan.

The highlight of the evening will be musical guest, pianist Sara Davis Buechner. Ms. Buechner is one of the leading keyboard artists of our time and has been praised on four continents for her “intelligence, integrity and all-encompassing technical prowess” (New York Times), “fascinating and astounding virtuosity” (Philippine Star), and “thoughtful artistry in the full service of music” (Washington Post). Winner of a bouquet of prizes at the world’s great piano competitions—Reine Elisabeth of Belgium, Leeds, Salzburg, Sydney and Vienna—she established her early career with the Gold Medal of the 1984 Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition and a Bronze Medal in the 1986 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow. Now residing in Canada, Ms. Buechner enjoys a vibrant international performance and recording career.

Tickets and further information on the Intermezzo V Gala are available at the orchestra’s website, www.sowhidbey.com.