Full moon & an orchestra
When a full moon rising over the mountains can upstage a class act like the Hotel Ritz-Melodia Orchesrta, it can only mean one thing – Romancing the Desert 2005 was the place to be in Osoyoos last Saturday night.
Under a perfect evening sky, a great crowd came out to the annual Osoyoos Desert Society fundraiser.
Wine was flowing, courtesy of several local wineries, and appetizers were enjoyed along the boardwalk, as Desert Centre volunteers led guided tours.
Performances of tunes like Tumbling Tumble-weeds and Lonesome Valley by the Sage Valley Voices, and music from the aforementioned orchestra played to a full house and set the mood for the main event – the full moon's appearance in the sky.
This is what we've been waiting for, said Cindy Kennedy, who stole a few glances over her shoulder while the Hotel Ritz-Melodia Orchestra serenaded the audience with desert-themed pieces such as Maurice Jarre's overture from Lawrence of Arabia.
Mayor John Slater was on hand to congratulate the Desert Society for another successful fundraiser, and Lewis Lukens, the new U.S. Consul General to Vancouver also appeared and presented a U.S flag to the Society.
Osoyoos Desert Society President Roger Horton was thrilled with Saturday's event.
It was a wonderful musical evening, Horton said.
We were all keeping our fingers crossed that the evening would be clear, and we weren't disappointed.
I also want to give full credit to our staff and volunteers who spent so much time behind the scenes, and our sponsors and donors. Without them, the event could not have happened.rnHorton added that symphony leader Edmond House and his wife Shari, were entranced by the invitation to perform at the Desert Centre and may be back for another year.
