Left to right, Longwood Symphony Orchestra Music Director Jonathan McPhee, Taj Boston Acting Sales Director Olivia Novak, LSO Board Member/ violinist/ pediatrician Dr. Lisa Wong, American Symphony Orchestra League President Henry Fogel, and Taj Boston General Manager David Gibbons, at the reception welcoming Mr. Fogel to Boston. (Photo courtesy of Caron Le Brun)

The Longwood Symphony Orchestra (LSO), an award-winning group of highly trained musicians from Boston’s medical community, recently hosted a reception at the Taj Boston to welcome American Symphony Orchestra League President Henry Fogel. The Taj Boston is the LSO’s 2007-2008 Season sponsor.

Mr. Fogel visited the city to attend Longwood’s concert commemorating World AIDS Day. VIP members of the medical and musical communities heard comments from him about why LSO won the League’s “Excellence in Community Engagement Award” this year, and how its mission to raise money and awareness for medical charities represents the future of American symphonic groups. Guests also enjoyed music by doctoral candidate and LSO violinist Sherman Jia.

Among the guests welcoming Mr. Fogel were LSO Music Director Jonathan McPhee; LSO Board President Dr. Lisa Wong; Taj Boston General Manager David Gibbons and Sales Director Olivia Novak; BU College of Fine Arts Chair Andre de Quadros; Mass General neurologist and “music and the brain” expert Dr. Mark Tramo; Faulkner Hospital Chief of Medicine Dr. Stephen Wright; and four operatic soloists who donated their LSO performances through the AIDS non-profit Classical Action: Marjorie Elinor-Dix, Mary Phillips, John Bellemer, and Gustav Andreassen.

Cartier Boutique Holds Holiday Party

Santa Claus was the special guest of honor at this year’s Holiday Party at the Cartier Boutique on Newbury Street in Boston.

During the cocktail reception, lucky guests were invited to try on a $1.1 million sapphire and diamond necklace from the Cartier Collection in New York City and have Polaroid photos taken while seated on Santa's lap.

The precious bauble contains 368 diamonds – (totaling 106.68 carats), and 5 sapphires (totaling 47.42 carats)!

Such a lovely Christmas stocking stuffer, yes?

Holiday Activities at The Taj for All Ages

The Taj Boston continues its popular “Teddy Bear Tea” on Saturdays, December 15 and December 22 at 11:30 a.m.; and on Friday, December 21 at 1:30 p.m. The Dining Room provides a fairytale setting, perfect for the young and young at heart. Guests can enjoy story telling by Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, and a pianist under the crystal chandeliers. Children are invited to bring a teddy bear or new toy to donate to a children’s charity.

“The Nutcracker Brunch” takes place this Sunday, December 16 when The Grand Ballroom becomes a magical setting for “The Nutcracker” performers from Boston Ballet. The story of Clara and Fritz is recreated to delight children of all ages. Visions of a Sugarplum Buffet will enchant all from 10 a.m. until noon.

For reservations or more information about these special events as well as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day festive celebrations at The Taj, call 617-598-5255.

Christmas Eve Dinner with a View at Top of the Hub

The Top of the Hub Restaurant, located on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Building, will serve a special Christmas Eve four-course gourmet menu designed by Executive Chef Mark Porcaro. In addition, all Christmas Eve guests will receive complimentary admission to the Skywalk Observatory on the 50th floor.

Raphael Oliver, General Manager, commented, “Our Christmas Eve menu provides a nice start to the holiday. You'll enjoy an exceptional meal and panoramic views of the city; plus, The Marty Ballou Trio will be playing in our lounge from 6 to 10 p.m. to add to the festive mood.” For reservations or more information, call 617-536-1775.

Sensuality and Intrigue Coming to Cutler Majestic Theatre

We hear from Joanne Barrett that “The Cutler Majestic Theatre Pulse Series” is thrilled to bring tango in all its sizzling and seductive glory live on stage this coming January.

Tango—Argentina’s gift to the world—is one of the most alluring and exciting dance forms, evoking sensuality and intrigue, raw energy and knife-edge precision.

With sold-out performances in New York and Los Angeles, Estampas Porteñas, Buenos Aires’ most acclaimed tango company, will make its Boston debut with their “Tango Fire”—as Ms. Barrett tells us, “a journey from the red light district of Buenos Aires, to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, into the world of contemporary ballroom dance.”

This colorful production features a quartet of brilliant young musicians, ten passionate dancers and one lustrous singer performing the music of the legendary Astor Piazzolla and other great tango composers.

Performances are Friday, January 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, January 12 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, January 13 at 3 p.m. The Cutler Majestic Theatre is located at 219 Tremont Street in Boston’s Historic Theatre District. For tickets or more information, call 1-800-233-3123. For more information, go to or www.tango-fire.com.

Enjoy!

In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." 
is compiled from various other sources such as news releases, PRNewswire services, etc.

bostonevents.com    bostontravel.com    bostongardens.com    bostonautos.com