Pictured at "The Taj Boston Cup 2008" are, left to right, Carlos Riva, whose sons were playing in the polo matches; noted author Paul Theroux; and Ranjit Phillipose, Hotel Manager, Taj Boston. (Photo by Roger Farrington)
 

The Taj Boston recently celebrated the beginning of the 120th season of the summer polo matches at the Myopia Polo Club in Hamilton by sponsoring "The 2nd Annual Taj Boston Cup," which included an elegant invitation-only champagne luncheon in the VIP Pavilion at the side of the field. To add to the festivities, the polo players joined in with the special guests.

After the luncheon, David Gibbons, General Manager, Taj Boston, threw out the ball to start the game. Afterwards, he presided over the Trophy Presentation of the Taj Boston Cup to the winning polo team as well as a special recognition for the Best Playing Pony.

Through October 5, "the sport of kings" will be open to the public on Sundays and played on the oldest polo grounds in the United States, first opened in 1888.

"Wine and Food Classic" Scheduled for Tanglewood

Tanglewood hosts its "Sixth Annual Wine and Food Classic" from August 7 to 10. The four-day event features wine from around the world, gourmet cuisine prepared by some of the nation's leading chefs, and a charity auction to benefit the orchestra's educational programs.

"The 2008 Tanglewood Wine and Food Classic" opens with a 6 p.m. gala dinner and auction at Tanglewood's Seranak estate, featuring a gourmet dinner by Damian Sansonetti of Manhattan's Bar Boulud and Jeff Thompson of Wheatleigh in Lenox, Massachusetts.

The centerpiece event, the Grand Tasting, begins at noon on Saturday, August 9, and pairs wine from around the world with simultaneous hourly cooking demonstrations by New England's leading chefs on two stages. Tickets can be purchased by calling 888-266-1200 or by visiting www.tanglewoodwineandfoodclassic.com.

In other news, legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade returns to Tanglewood for an 8 p.m. recital on Wednesday, August 13. Ms. von Stade collaborates with flutist Mathieu Dufour and pianist Peter Grunberg in a "roses-and-Paris-centric" program.

Incidentally, Tanglewood offers a Children's Lawn Ticket Program, which provides free lawn seating to children age 12 and under. Up to four free children's tickets are available per parent or legal guardian per concert at the Tanglewood Box Office on the day of the concert.

Children admitted without charge must sit with their parent or legal guardian on the lawn, and those under 5 years old must sit on the rear half of the lawn. Children under 5 years are not permitted in the Koussevitzky Music Shed or Seiji Ozawa Hall during concerts. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. The free lawn-ticket policy does not apply to organized groups of children.

Additionally, Tanglewood is pleased to offer a 50 percent discount on lawn tickets for all BSO Friday evening concerts for students over age 12. This offer is valid only with a student identification card. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Main Box Office only on the night of the performance.

For Patrons who may not have a convenient way to get to and from Tanglewood, the BSO offers coach service from Boston to Tanglewood. Lawn chairs and pre-ordered meals are available in the Tanglewood Grille and the Tanglewood Café.

Tanglewood also offers "Talks and Walks," a series of informal conversations presented by guest artists and members of the BSO family in the Tent Club on Thursday afternoons beginning with a talk at 1 p.m. and a guided tour of the grounds at 1:45 p.m.

New this year for ticket holders, Tanglewood offers a free panel discussion series called "This Week at Tanglewood" on Fridays at 7 p.m. in the Koussevitzky Shed and a free hour-long walking tour of Tanglewood's grounds and performance spaces daily.

Tanglewood additionally offers large video screens for the pleasure of lawn viewing patrons on Friday and Saturday nights.

Tickets are available through Tanglewood's Web site, www.tanglewood.org, and through SymphonyCharge at 888-266-1200.

Liberty Hotel Will Host Community Boating Fundraiser

We are invited to "Raise the Sails for All," a Community Boating Fundraiser, on Thursday, August 21 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. at the Liberty Hotel for "an exquisite evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and auctions." Proceeds will support Community Boating's Junior Program and their Accessible Sailing Program.

Community Boating is the oldest and largest community sailing program in the United States, serving more than 2,000 children and 300 sailors with disabilities from the Greater Boston Metropolitan Area. The scope of the organization encompasses a diverse population.

Many of their members are residents of Boston and its surrounding neighborhoods. Junior members span all economic levels and ethnic groups. Through their Accessible Sailing Program, persons with disabilities also have the opportunity to sail.

The Liberty Hotel is located at 215 Charles Street in Boston. For more information, call 617-523-1038 or visit www.community-boating.org.

Enjoy!

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