Symphony Splendor Holiday House Tour
Christmas came early to the Fifth Avenue home of Ron Graham and Scott Cavanaugh. The Pittsburgh Symphony Association was delighted to have its Symphony Splendor Holiday House Tour at the couple’s Gilded Age mansion in Shadyside for the second year. More than 100 guests came to the preview cocktail party Thursday night.
The duo decked the halls from the entrance to the third floor and every inch in between.
“We love Christmas,” said Graham, who does much of the decorating with Cavanaugh and some association volunteers.
“I have collected ornaments since I was a young kid and couldn’t even tell you how many ornaments we have at this point,” added Cavanaugh. “We enjoy doing this for the symphony.”
The annual event benefits the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Event chair Cathy Trombetta noted, “There are 23 decorated trees in the house because the gentlemen who live here have been here for 23 years. This is a great place to bring visiting friends and family after Thanksgiving.”
“It’s too merry to miss,” insisted organizer Jean Horne.
“I stayed in the blue room last year,” said Nancy Coleman, who came in from Connecticut.
“We use it as an Airbnb,” explained Cavanaugh.
The preview party included performances by PSO principal cellist Anne Martindale Williams and first violin Christopher Wu. A singalong of Christmas carols by the guests followed.
“It is amazing what these volunteers do,” said Melia Tourangeau, president of the PSO. “They are such great fans of the symphony
and the hosts are amazing to open their home for hundreds of people to walk through.”
Tours continue this Saturday and Sunday. Daylight tour tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets are $35 for the Saturday candlelight tour. For information or tickets, call 412392- 3303 or go to pittsburghsymphonyassociation.
Already in the holiday spirit were Nancy Spears, Neill Souffer and Bruce Harshman, Jackie Scanlon, Kathy and Eileen Joszefov, Dr. Martin and Lisa Earle, Barbara Ghilani, Kathy Slencak, Virginia and John DiPucci, Nancy Lee Cochran, Susan McKee, Lou Guarino with daughter Amy, Ruth and Stan Geier, Shelly Fuerte and Christine Probert.