Press Release
This year's Symphony Tour – Historic Charleston, features five homes and two garden tours, a statement garden and a cluster of 4 private gardens along a notably historic street. The tour on May 21st and 22nd showcases an eclectic mix of Charleston architecture, from a new-build South of Broad to a re-imagined traditional Victorian, configured for a young family, along with very special historic homes built in the 1700s. The wonderful variety of homes and gardens truly reflects the charm of downtown Charleston that has evolved with the diversity of people and lifestyles moving to the Peninsula.
This year's tour is unique in that it demonstrates how Charleston's wonderfully historic structures fit perfectly into a modern lifestyle while retaining the charm and character of what makes the Holy City so unique. The gardens, traditionally an extension of the living space, also distinguish this year's tour, giving the visitor a glimpse behind the gates that make Charleston so special.
The tour is self-guided with docents available at the homes and gardens to guide visitors both days from 10 am to 4 pm. The Ticket Exchange located at Mitchell Hill, 414 King Street will be open on Friday – 10:00 – 3:00, Saturday 9:30 – 3:00 and Sunday 10:00 – 3:00. Tickets must be exchanged for wrist bands and tour books before beginning the tour. Tickets can also be purchased at Mitchell Hill now through Sunday, May 22nd. Tickets are also available at Indigo Books in Freshfields Village through May 20th.
The league will also host A Southern Fête on Friday evening, May 20th at the historic Charleston Library Society. This festive evening includes a Southern Supper with wine pairing, tour and garden highlights by Michael Mitchell, of Mitchell Hill; an intimate musical program, Fund the Need and a live auction. The evening’s featured performer is Jessica Minahan White presenting Colours of Charleston, with Aimie Morris, soprano and Kyle Lane, trumpet. Jessica will debut her new piece Straw Market Waltz with Kyle Lane. Seating is limited, so those interested should book early.
The weekend would not be complete without music. Both the home tour and the Southern Fête will feature Charleston Symphony musicians and student musicians, many of whom are previous CSOL scholarship winners.
The CSOL's annual car raffle will also come to a close in May. This year's offering is unique: the new, all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium SUV. With a full list of premium accessories and electronics, this car will be one of the first of its kind on Lowcountry roads. The winning ticket will be drawn at the U.S. Custom House prior to the start of the Charleston Symphony Sunset Serenade
concert on May 27. In addition, the car will be on display at the Tour of Homes, where raffle tickets will be on sale.
The Symphony Tour of Homes is supported by donors, sponsors and more than 125 CSOL members and community volunteers. Ticket prices are $65 advance and $70 day of the tour. $150 Friends tickets are also available which include 2-Tour tickets and a donation for CSOL Music Scholarships, with the donor's name appearing in tour program.
Tickets for the Southern Fete are $175, $250, and $500. Table sponsorships are available at $2,500 with seating for 8.
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra League has supported the Charleston Symphony for more than 50 years. Currently, over 300 members volunteer for a wide range of events to raise funds to support live music and music scholarships. The League works to raise awareness of the performing arts and the important cultural role they play in the Lowcountry. League members also share social events where they connect with symphony musicians and guest performers.
Further details and tickets are available on the CSOL website https://csolinc.org, as well as information about joining the League.
