A Tour of Italy
Saluti amici miei e fedeli mecenati !! (Greetings my friends and loyal patrons!!)
I know it’s been a while, but I am thrilled to announce the return of the Tour of Italy event!! Many of you have been asking when we would travel again, and the time is now! The Tour of Italy is a special 5 course dinner, paired with wines to “visit” and learn about a specific area of Italy. The wines are carefully selected to perfectly complement each course.
Please join us as we visit Campania and the Amalfi Coast.
WHEN: Tuesday, October 22nd, 6:00pm
COST: $120 per person, non-refundable
Pre-payment of 50 % with Credit Card required with reservation,
by using the Event Ticket button below to purchase your event tickets
CAPACITY: Seating limited to 30 people
RESERVATIONS: Accepted on a first come, first serve basis
RESERVATION DEADLINE: Friday, October 17th
The evening begins with some very special entertainment provided by violinist, Ellen and cellist, Bruce Habitzruther. Lynchburg is incredibly blessed to have Bruce and Ellen as part of our community. Both are very gifted and accomplished string musicians with careers spanning music venues around the world.
Bruce and Ellen
Bruce graduated with a degree in Music Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia. He studied in his junior year at the Royal Conservatory and Royal Academy of the Arts (conducting and cello performance) in Antwerp, Belgium.
Ellen’s early violin study was with Einar Hansen of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She received her degree in Violin Performance from the Eastman School of Music-part of the University of Rochester.
Both won Ford Foundation Grants to study for their Master’s Degree in violin/cello performance degree from Wichita State University in Kansas. During their time in Wichita, they played in the Wichita Symphony and the Graduate String Quartet.
In Lynchburg, Bruce was the Director of Strings for the Lynchburg City Schools, adjunct faculty at Lynchburg College (now U of L), a member of the Roanoke Symphony, Conductor of the Fine Arts Center Orchestra, founder and Music Director/Conductor of the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra and co-founder of the Lynchburg Symphony Youth Orchestra. Since retirement, he continues to play for various events in a string quartet, trio and duo. He is a national ranked pickleball player.
Since moving to Lynchburg, Ellen has been a String Specialist for the Lynchburg City Schools, a member of the first violin section of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, adjunct faculty at Lynchburg College (U of L), Concertmaster of the Fine Arts Center Orchestra and Concertmaster of the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra. She is co-founder of the Junior Strings/Lynchburg Symphony Youth Orchestra (along with Bruce) and manager of the groups. Since retirement, she continues to teach violin and is first violinist of a string quartet, trio and duo.
Bruce and Ellen have played in back-up orchestras for such artists as Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Jim Nabors, Marian McPartland, Liza Minnelli and Tony Orlando and Dawn.
While enjoying the grapes and the experience of each course Kristen Thomas will talk about the pairings
Kristen Thomas
A Certified Winebow Specialist'
With over 20 years of experience in the wine industry, Kristen has dedicated her career to exploring the art of wine pairings and sharing her knowledge with others. From guiding tastings to hosting larger educational events. Her love for teaching and creating memorable experiences makes each event a journey into the world of flavors and aromas, blending tradition with innovation.