Honolulu – The Honolulu Symphony today announced “Ports of Call” – the Twelfth  Annual Symphony Ball – that will inspire music lovers to dance the night away on Saturday, March 21, 2009 in the Kalakaua Ballroom of the Hawaii Convention Center. Rick Blangiardi, president and general manager of Hawaii’s KGMB9, has graciously accepted the role of chairman for this spectacular event that raises funds for music education and community enrichment programs. 
 
For the first time at a Symphony Ball, principal conductor Andreas Delfs and pops principal conductor Matt Catingub will both conduct the orchestra as part of the evening’s dynamic entertainment. Chef Bev Gannon of Hali'imaile General Store, whose highly praised 2008 menu was filled with mouth-watering delights, will also return to guide the development of the evening’s menu in 2009. The date of “Ports of Call” is earlier in the Symphony season than previous years and takes place one week prior to the Symphony’s highly-anticipated inaugural Hawaii Beethoven Festival.
 
“The Honolulu Symphony provides important social and educational value, while culturally enriching the lives of so many people of all ages across our beautiful State,” said Blangiardi. “The Symphony is a treasure most worthy of our love and Aloha Spirit.” 
 
Blangiardi follows in the footsteps of past chairpersons of the Symphony Ball who have made a lasting contribution to the Symphony, including the 2008 chairs Collin M. (Marty) Fritz and Susyn Fritz, 2007 chair Mark Wong, and 2006 chairs Dr. Thomas Kosasa and Mi Kosasa. 
 
“Supporting the Symphony means more now than ever, and we plan to make every effort to make the “Ports of Call” Symphony Ball the most successful to date,” continued Blangiardi. “I am truly honored to accept the responsibility as chairman for the Twelfth Annual Symphony Ball.”
 
‘“Ports of Call” supports community outreach programs, such as performances in local schools and student-musician mentoring programs, which would otherwise not be possible without the funds raised at the event,” said Tom Gulick, executive director, Honolulu Symphony. “We are deeply grateful to Rick Blangiardi for the leadership, enthusiasm and dedication he brings to ‘Ports of Call’ and anticipate that it will be one of the highlights of the year.” 
 
“Ports of Call” is an event like none other. Featuring the signature the “Marketplaces of the World” silent auction, it evokes exotic destinations and features unique treasures from around the world. Marketplaces feature fantasy travel packages and keepsakes including jewelry, rare books, wine and spirits, gastronomy, fashion, china and crystal, fine art and music. Distinctive “Toast the Symphony” cocktails and wines are featured in each picturesque port of call. In 2009, the convenient electronic bidding system returns and features a surprise twist for active bidders.
 
The black-tie, evening gown and formal ethnic attire gala kicks off at 5:30 p.m., followed by a splendid gourmet dinner and dancing to the music of the orchestra. Ballroom dancing, including such favorites as the waltz, jive, quickstep, cha cha, west coast swing and rumba will inspire everyone on the dance floor. Dancing continues until midnight.
 
The Symphony Ball welcomes more than 700 Symphony supporters and community leaders each year. Since 1998, this fundraiser has raised more than $3.7 million for vital programs such as education concerts for children and teenagers, and the Hawaii Youth Concerto Competition. 
 
“Ports of Call” individual reservations begin at $300 per person (a portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible). Donations of all shapes and sizes are currently being accepted – no donation is too out-of-the-ordinary! 
 
For more information or to make a donation to the auction, please call the Honolulu Symphony (808) 469-4144 or e-mail symphonyball@honolulusymphony.com.