On Sept. 17, Hotel Murano’s Bicentennial Pavilion will be transformed into an Austrian paradise as the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra hosts its annual gala, “A Night in Vienna.” Guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions, a champagne toast and samples of the premium beer Stella Artois. The night’s entertainment also includes a performance by the Auburn Pacific Ballroom Dance Company.

Tickets are available for $150 apiece, and all proceeds benefit the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, as well as its education program Simply Symphonic. The program offers specialized curriculum to fifth-grade classrooms throughout the community, focusing on classical music. Teachers receive a handbook featuring activities and lessons geared to preparing students to attend a Simply Symphonic concert designed specifically for students. “By the time the kids come to the concert, they are already very familiar with the music,” Executive Director Andy Buelow said. “Last year, we performed four of these concerts, and saw a fantastic response from the students and schools.”

This year, the program has more than 60 participating schools, and is seeing more demand this year than it can accommodate. “If we continue to see this demand, we may need to put together an additional concert this year,” Buelow said.

In past years, the annual gala has raised a significant amount of money for Simply Symphonic, a program that costs anywhere from $60,000 to $80,000 per year. “If we can raise a quarter of that cost in one night, that’s very exciting,” Buelow said. “I’ve seen us raise anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 for Simply Symphonic in past years.”

This year’s auction includes an array of items such as discounted concert tickets, a private dinner with the maestro and other products for guests who are looking to get a head start on their holiday shopping. “This is right around that time when people start talking about holiday shopping,” he said. “This is a great way to shop for a good cause.”

Several big-ticket auction items include vacation condominiums in a number of travel destinations such as Hawaii and Mexico. In addition, one of its regular auction items - and most popular - is an opportunity to personally conduct the symphony. The winner will enjoy a private lesson with Music Director Harvey Felder, where he or she will learn the basics of conducting. Prior to the concert, the winner will also attend the dress rehearsal to run through the piece with the orchestra. “Last year, the winner walked off the stage saying that was the most fun he’s ever had in his life,” Buelow remarked. “Every year, there is some courageous person out there who bids on this item and wins - and loves it. This year will be no different.”

Contact the writer at kburrows@tacomaweekly.com.