"An Artist's Life"!
July 24-27, 2014
Festival attendees were transported through dance and music to Paris to be entertained for four fabulous evening performances in classic Strauss style! This year a replica of the Eiffel Tower complete with shimmering lights helped set the mood as a young lady traveled to Paris to have her portrait painted and meet her long lost father. The graceful dancers, stunning costumes, and local artists actually creating paintings on the Strauss stage, made the production an event to remember! Singer Matthew Scott once again beautifully serenaded Strauss Festival attendees during the show as he has done for the last three years. The Strauss Festival's longtime Master of Ceremonies and supporter, Mark Hedlund, did an outstanding job of taking the audience on the Paris trip through each evening's performance. Maestro Jay DeWald, as for the last 27 years, used his magic to perfectly conduct the Camellia Symphony Orchestra which provided the Johann Strauss Jr waltz music as well as lively polka troupe music. The Festival performance was culminated each evening by a surprise fireworks burst from the Eiffel tower followed by a beautiful display of colorful fireworks over Strauss Island!