Hurrah! Encore! - Fundraising Gala

The Haskins Building
September 28, 2008
Doors open at 5pm

If you cannot join us on Sept. 28, you can still bid! Click here to download an absentee bidding form.

This festive occasion will include an extensive selection of elegant hors d’ oeuvres and decadent desserts. Most importantly, however, our live and silent auctions will offer a truly wonderful and unique collection of items received from many generous donors both from the Cape Ann area and well beyond.

We hope that you can join us to show your support of our mission and also to celebrate in anticipation of an exciting future. Please call the RCMF office 978-546-7391 to purchase your tickets, or for more information. If you are unable to attend, you can still show your support for the Festival and have a chance to bid on the exciting items below. We will accept absentee bids: the form and instructions can be downloaded by clicking the link above.

Please take a look at our spectacular live and super silent auction items listed below.

1L - Torte Stoltzman and Ma

Richard Stoltzman's famous Linzer Torte and recipe will be personally delivered to you the evening of the event! Enjoy it as you listen to three autographed CD's by Yo-Yo Ma: Ax- Stoltzman-Ma Trios, Schubert Trout Quintet, and Bach Cello Suites.

Donor Value:  $160

Our thanks to Richard Stotzman & Yo-Yo- Ma Sound Postings

2L - Wine and Cheese in a Beautiful Home Overlooking Good Harbor Beach

An elegant and delightful evening awaits you and up to 10 others. You will attend a very special wine and cheese seminar held in a unique and lovingly restored Victorian home overlooking Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester. Ihsan Gurdal, proprietor of Fromaggio Kitchen in Cambridge, travels the world to find the cheese that makes his store unique in all of New England. He will share with you and your host his knowledge and his cheese - cow, sheep, goat and blue - complemented by four different wines, including a dessert course. This will be an extraordinary evening! Weeknight at a mutually agreed upon date.

Donor Value:  $1500

Our thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Stonberg Formaggio Kitchen

4L - Chateau Lafite Rothschild BORDEAUX, Pauillac 2000, "Vintage of the Generation"

Subtle aromas of currants, leather, tobacco and cedar. Classic cigar box nose, with fruit. Full-bodied, with an amazing texture of silky, ripe tannins. This wine completely coats your palate, but caresses it at the same time. This is the best young Lafite ever made; a triumph. Best drunk after 2012. 18,000 cases made. (WS 95-100).

Donor Value:  $1460

Our thanks to Jim Barker

5L - Chateau Latour BORDEAUX, Pauillac 2000, "Vintage of the Generation"

A young wine that electrifies every taste bud in your mouth. Compacted aromas of crushed currants and minerals, with roses and lilacs. Full-bodied, with masses of silky, refined tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. Stunning; best Latour since 1990. 14,165 cases made. Best drunk after 2012. (WS 95-100).

Donor Value:  $1020

Our thanks to Jim Barker

6L - "Old Ironsides III"

Nationally-known photographer Phillip Jones' black and white photograph of Old Ironsides with Boston, old and new, as backdrop. The artist has photographed urban and industrial sites in the US and Europe and has had exhibitions in cities around the country. Silver gelatin print, #5 in an edition of 50 prints. 17 1/2 x 17 1/2" image size; 29x25" framed.

Donor Value:  $1200

Our thanks to the Mercury Gallery

7L - Music in Magnolia

Rockport Chamber Music Festival musicians will entertain you and 25 of your friends with a private performance at the beautiful Magnolia home of Robert and Marie Gallager, followed by a lovely reception of wine, cheese, and sweets.

Donor Value:  $2000

Our thanks to Robert & Marie Gallager

8L - Miranda Thomas Cobalt and Gold Leaf Plate

Imagine this rare and exquisite cobalt and gold leaf 14" Miranda Thomas plate in your home! Only a limited number of these were made because of the difficulty on the eyes in working with the cobalt. After studying in England with pioneers in modern pottery and glaze decoration, Miranda settled in Vermont where she opened her studio in 1986. Her strong skills as a thrower and different decorative techniques have make her work internationally known, leading to commissions from dignitaries such as Sec. Gen. Kofi Annon at the UN and Pope John Paul II.

Donor Value:  $1400

Our thanks to Dr. Harold and Lucette White

9L - 2007 RCMF Banner

Relive the first excitement over the vision of the RCMF's Shalin Liu Performance Center with this "limited edition" banner from the 2007 Festival.

Donor Value:  $150

Our thanks to the Rockport Chamber Music Festival

10L - Double Magnum 1990 Angelo Gaja’s Rennina Brunello de Montalcino

In original wooden box. Nose of coffee and dark fruits, Sangiovese-typical dark fruits, cherry flavors on the palate, with some nice minerality, drying smooth tannins on the finish. Really enjoyable. Ready to drink but will hold its own for another few years. Two to three hours before serving open and pour into several decanters to let the wine open up. (Cellar Tracker 94)

Donor Value:  $1000

Our thanks to Jerry Nissenbaum & Madeline Celletti

11L - "Gloucester", Ink on paper by Joseph Solman

Done by Joseph Solman in 1987. This ink on paper of a view of the beach and ocean from a little Gloucester street captures Solman's pleasure in walking around Cape Ann with his sketchbook in hand. Solman was a pivotal figure in the development of 20 century American art. A founding member of "The Ten", his works are in more than two dozen major museum collections throughout the world. Born in 1909, Joseph Solman died this year, 2008.

Donor Value:  $3200

Our thanks to the Mercury Gallery

12L - A Weekend at Boston's Taj (Ritz-Carlton) Hotel with 2 tickets to "The Miracle of Naples" at the Huntington Theater

Relax and enjoy a two night weekend stay for two at the Taj Boston Hotel in deluxe accommodations. Amble through the Public Garden, the galleries on Newbury Street, the shops at The Heritage. At the same time or separately, enjoy the Huntington's production of The Miracle at Naples at the Wimberly Theatre for a Friday evening or Sunday matinée performance anytime between April 3 - May 9, 2009. A hilarious, bawdy comedy set in Renaissance Italy by David Grimm.

Donor Value:  $1620

Our thanks to Bill and Rose Hausman - Taj Boston

13L - "CORDON BLEU" hand-carved stoneware vessel

Grace your home with this spectacular high-fired stoneware vessel, 23" x 8.5", wheel-thrown by Cory Lum and hand-carved by Diane KW. Diane is represented by Mercury Gallery in Rockport and Boston and has also exhibited in Hawaii where she makes her home part of the year.

Donor Value:  $4400

Our thanks to Diane KW - Mercury Gallery - Cory Lum

14L - Bacchanal of Food and Drink

Gourmet 5-course meal and fabulous wine tasting experience for you plus 5 of your friends or family. Dinner arranged at a mutually convenient time at the 1889 Queen Anne Victorian home of Madeline Celletti and Jerry Nissenbaum in W. Boxford, MA. Madeline will plan the meal in consultation with the lucky winner of this item. Two wines will be served to match each course from champagne to dessert wines and much more in between! In order that you get home safe and sound, you will be picked up at no more than two locations and brought to W. Boxford and returned home.

If you desire a 'wine fix' the hosts will provide a tour of their wine storage facility, with discussions to match your interest and desire. Likewise, if you also (or only) want an 'antique fix' the hosts will be happy to provide that as well.

For each $500 of the bid, with dinner, you and your guests will be served a First Growth 1995 red Bordeaux wine or, should you prefer, equivalent bottles of Champagne, Burgundy, D'Yquem, 30-40 year old Port, or 80-120 year old Madeira, or a mixture thereof. Examples of the 1995 Bordeaux, Pauillac wines you may be served include a Chateau Mouton-Rothschild (WS 94) ($575); a Chateau Latour (WS 94) ($775); and a Chateau Lafite Rothschild (WS 97) ($750).

Donor Value: $3500

Our thanks to Jerry Nissenbaum & Madeline Celletti

15L - Fund for RCMF Educational Outreach Programs

The Educational Outreach Programs of the RCMF bring high-quality live music to children and their families and offer informative lectures to the general public. During the 2008-09 fiscal year, these initiatives include:

1 - The expansion of our popular in-school presentations - both classical and jazz - featuring professional musicians and young players from the New England Conservatory, Gordon College and Salem State, in the public schools of Rockport and Gloucester;

2 - The third year of our innovative programming for pre-school children and their parents at Pathways for Children;

3 - The expansions of our school programming to Salem;

4 - Creative, interactive family concerts, provided free during the Festival;

5 - Free concerts for the community on evenings during the school year when musicians are in residence, as part of our schools program;

6 - The launching of innovative programming for children with profound physical and mental challenges; and

7 - Informative conversations with musicians, composers and scholars during the Festival and throughout the year.

No tickets are sold for these educational initiatives. They are provided to our communities through generous gifts and grants from individuals and foundations. In order to fund the educational outreach programs planned for 2008/09, RCMF needs to secure an additional $18,100 from our friends. This is your opportunity to help us grow these programs which have been so well-received in our schools and in the local press. Simply hold up your bid card when the auctioneer asks for your support. If you wish to contribute more than once, please do so - we will add the amounts together on your receipt at checkout.

Thanks to our Amazing Supporters

16L - Two Nights in Boston at the InterContinental Hotel including Dinner and Tickets to Boston Ballet

Enjoy a two-night stay at InterContinental Boston, one of Boston's newest hotels, and dinner for two in Miel "Brasserie Provencale." At the same time or separately, enjoy a performance of the Boston Ballet.

Donor Value: $740

Our thanks to InterContinental Boston - Boston Ballet

17L - Two Seats to a Patriots Home Game at Foxboro Stadium in the Reebok Luxury Suite

You can view the famed New England Patriots play from the Reebok Luxury Suite on the 50-yard line during the 2008 Season! Food and beverage are included. The date will be mutually determined by Reebok International Ltd. and the winning bidder.

Donor Value: $1700

Our thanks to Reebok International Ltd. - Paul Foster

18L - Flowers and Nude Painting by George Anderson

"Flowers and Nude" is an original oil painting by George Anderson, painted in 1986 in his New Hampshire studio, capturing an early phase of his career where he focused on modern artists such as Picasso and Kandinsky. Painting is 22 x 26" with a white frame. George, residing in Rockport for the last 16 years, is a contemporary artist specializing in abstract nautical, urban, country and Mexican motifs.

Donor Value: $2500

Our thanks to the Anderson Gallery

19L - Dine and Wine at My Place By the Sea

Kathy Milbury and Barbara Stavropoulos invite you and 7 guests to a wine-pairing dinner at My Place by the Sea - a spectacular five-course meal focuing on fine wines chosen for each course. Enjoy this specially prepared meal in their little gem at the end of Bearskin Neck overlooking Sandy Bay. No Saturday nights and gratuity not included.

Donor Value: $1800

Our thanks to My Place by the Sea

20S - Miranda Thomas Celedon Bowl

This 13" celedon bowl, personally made by Miranda Thomas, is a special edition for "Celebrate United Nations Day". Hand carved peace doves and foliage. Marked 24/40 and signed MT. After studying with poineers in modern pottery and glaze decoration in England, Miranda established her studio in Vermont in 1986. Her stong skill as a thrower and in different decorative techniques have made her work internationally known, leading to commisisions from dignitaries such as Sec. Gen. Kofi Annon at the UN and Pope John Paul II.

Donor Value: $800

Our thanks to Mary K. Ball & Amnon Goldman

21S - "Rampant Spring" Oil Painting by Marie Gallager

3'x3' oil on canvas of iris, narcissus and azaleas, a blaze of yellows, purples, pinks and whites amidst spring green foliage, reflected in a spring pool. Marie, an alum of the MFA School, is actively sought for her paintings at the school's annual art sale to support the museum. She also shows in galleries around Massachusetts.

Donor Value: $2000

Our thanks to Marie Gallager

22S - Wine Tasting Dinner for Six at UpStairs on the Square

Wine Tasting Dinner for six in the elegant and fun Soiree Room at UpStairs on the Square, a Harvard-related dining destination for over 20 years. Matt Reiser will pair wines to go with a 5 course dinner prepared for you by Chef Steven Brand You will be treated as special guests while you enjoy your evening in this glamorous and fun restaurant.

Donor Value: $600

Our thanks to UpStairs on the Square

23S - Colored Photo by Vernon Ingram

16x22" matted color close up floral photograph by the late Vernon Ingram, distinguished MIT professor/researcher and long-time board member and supporter of the Festival.

Donor Value: $250

Our thanks to Beth Ingram

24S - Golf at Bass Rocks

Tee off with 2 friends and Joe Mueller for 18 holes of golf at the Bass Rocks Golf Club followed by lunch and bragging rights. Golf carts are included if desired. The toughest part of this round will be avoiding the distractions of this beautiful course.

Donor Value: $300

Our thanks to Joe Mueller

25S - "Gloucester Harbor" Oil Painting

Enjoy one of Rockport artist Eileen Mueller’s oil paintings of the local scene in this 11 x 14 oil of Gloucester Harbor. Eileen exhibits at the Copley Society of Boston where she is a Designated Copley Artist. She also shows her work at Mast Cove Galleries in Kennebunkport, ME. Lily Pad Gallery in Watch Hill RI, as well as the North Shore Art Association and Rocky Neck Art Association.

Donor Value: $1200

Our thanks to Eileen Mueller

26S - 3 Bottles of Kistler Vineyard Chardonnay

A 3-bottle 750ml mini-vertical.

1998 (WS 92; RP 94-96) ($185) Rich and wonderful, extremely full-bodied, with striking purity and powerful concentrated, honeyed flavors.

1999 (WS 92; RP 93; ST 93) ($100) Super ripe yet reticent aromas of dried fruits, minerals and hazelnut. Broad, rich and sweet but with perfectly harmonious acidity; highly concentrated, layered and suave. Intriguing stony and nutty nuances. Finished with a luxurious aftertaste of exotic spices.

2000 (WS 93; FP 90;ST 93) ($140) Reminiscent of a Grand Cru Puligny-Montrachet. Lemony, honeyed, grapefruit, orange rind, and buttered citrus aromas are accompanied by subtle notions of liquid stones, roasted almonds, and a long, medium to full-bodied finish with regreshing levels of acidity.

Donor Value: $450

Our thanks to Jerry Nissenbaum & Madeline Celletti

27S - One Night's Stay at a Condo Overlooking Boston Common and Dinner at #9 Park

Enjoy the spectacular views from this condo high above Boston Common, furnished with heirloom furnishings, in easy walking distance to Newbury Street and the theater. While you are there use a $200 gift certificate to dine at #9 Park , a short walk from the condo and overlooking the Common and the State House.

Donor Value: $700

Our thanks to Cameron & Seymour Smith Mary & Harry Hintlian

28S - Hand Blown Glass Bowl by Stephen Schlanser

Stunning hand blown Glass Bowl by Stephen Schlanser. Sparkling smooth thick crystal with small decorative impressions in the glass, this bowl will add a touch of elegance to any table.

Donor Value: $325

Our thanks to An Artful Touch

29S - 14K WG Diamond Earrings

Wear these glamorous diamond hoop earrings day and night!! 22 diamonds, . 90ct. , prong set in 14K WG hoops.

Donor Value: $1500

Our thanks to Kebadjian Brothers Inc.

30S - 2 Bottles of 2002 Kistler Pinot Noir

Cuvee Catherine (RP 95) ($345) Offers a beautiful bouquet of raspberry liqueur intermixed with violets, plums, smoke, and a touch of graphite. It possesses fine purity as well as deep, medium to full-bodied flavors, buttressed by lively, zesty acidity. Freshness, vigor, and intense flavors are apparent in this effort. It should drink well for a decade or more . Russian River (WS89) ($120) Offers a trim yet concentrated band of spicy black cherry, plum and wild berry fruit that's sharply focused and at times shows restraint, yet gains richness and depth. Admirable for its structure. Drink now. 1,660 cases made.

Donor Value: $465

Our thanks to Jerry Nissenbaum & Madeline Celletti

Terms and Conditions of Sale

1. Bidders must register to participate in the Auction.

2. All sales are final. There are no refunds.

3. All goods and services are sold in “as is” condition. Restrictions may apply to gift certificate.

4. Bids, once made, may not be withdrawn or changed.

5. All purchases must be paid in full at the close of the evening. Approved forms of payment are cash, check (payable to Rockport Chamber Music Festival), Mastercard, VISA, or American Express. Payment is to be made at the Registration Desk on Auction Night.

6. Use only the bidding number issued to you at the registration desk for bidding on all Auction items including the Raffle tickets.

7. The Silent Auction utilizes Guaranteed Bidding. Once a bidder has made a bid on the last line of the Silent Auction bid sheet, that particular item is closed.

8. The Auction Committee has endeavored to catalog and correctly and completely describe the items being auctioned. The descriptions and values of the items have been obtained directly from the contributors. The auctioneer reserves the right to make verbal corrections and to provide additional information from the block at the time of sale. The Auction Committee can assume no responsibility for and cannot guarantee the validity, authenticity, or condition of any item offered for sale.

9. No statement contained in the auction catalog or made orally at the sale or elsewhere shall be deemed assumption of liability for tax purposes or general value. Tax deductible amounts must exceed the stated donor value of the item. Please consult your tax advisor.