The Canton Symphony Orchestra invites you for an elegant evening of dinner, music, and silent and live auctions for their annual fundraiser, In Place 2019. This event takes place on June 29 at 6pm at Skyland Pines. In Place, the only fundraiser for the Canton Symphony Orchestra raises money to fund Education and Outreach Programs that annually serve over 10,000 students for FREE. This year, the Canton Symphony is honoring long-time supporter, board member, and champion of the arts William P. Blair III. William P. Blair, currently an Attorney at Law in Canton, Ohio, was born and raised in Canton. He attended The Ohio State University in Columbus and received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts in History and Government, Master of Arts in Public Administration, and Juris Doctor from the College of Law. He has also received the honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degree from Ashland University.
Mr. Blair’s arts-related activities have included serving as Legislative Chair of the Ohio Organization of Orchestras and as President of the Ohio Citizens for the Arts (OCA), a multi-arts lobbying organization dedicated to the passage of legislation of interest and benefit to the arts in Ohio and nationwide. He now serves as OCA’s legislative counsel and lobbyist. During his years with OCA he has secured record appropriations for the Ohio Arts Council and for other arts causes. In 2015, the Ohio Arts Council received its largest appropriation increase in its history. His representation of the Cleveland Orchestra resulted in state appropriations representing nearly one-third of the cost of renovating its home, Severance Hall, and its summer home, the Blossom Music Center. He has also helped the Cleveland Museum of Art receive tens of millions of dollars in its $350 million renovation project. He has represented Cincinnati’s historic Music Hall in its first complete renovation since it was built in 1878. As of 2016, the state of Ohio had contributed $30.5 million in tax credits and direct appropriations to that effort. He represents Ohio’s Public Television and radio stations and the Ohio Radio Reading Service. In 2013 Mr. Blair, representing Ohio’s Public Broadcasting community convinced Ohio Government to create an independent agency (The Broadcast Educational Media Commission) to govern the affairs of Public Media, the Statehouse New Bureau, and Ohio Government Telecommunications.
Along with the seated dinner at Skyland Pines, there will be entertainment from various performers related to the Canton Symphony Orchestra. During cocktail hour, local singer/songwriter Gretchen Pleuss will be performing with 3 of the Canton Symphony Orchestra’s musicians, similar to the Divergent Sounds Series concerts the CSO debuted this past year in late 2018. There will also be a performance by current and former members of the Canton Youth Symphony Orchestra. The evening will include both live and silent auctions. Auction items include one-of-a-kind experiences with the orchestra, packages that show off unique experiences in Canton, and many works of art from local artists and craftsmen. Reservation deadline is June 21, 2019 and tickets are $125.00 each or $150 per person for a patron ticket. Tickets include dinner and the performances along with an open bar. Sponsorships are also available, and information for these and tickets is available by calling the Canton Symphony Orchestra box office at 330.452.2094 or online at https://www.cantonsymphony.org/event/in-place-2019/
Founded in 1937, the Canton Symphony Orchestra is a fully professional ensemble and organization dedicated to performing concerts that enrich, educate and entertain residents of Stark County and beyond. The orchestra performs classical, holiday, and a variety of educational programs in Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, 2323 17th Street NW, Canton, Ohio, as well as other venues in Stark County. For more information, please visitwww.cantonsymphony.org or call (330)452-2094. Administrative offices are located at the Zimmermann Symphony Center 2331 17th Street NW, Canton OH 44708.
