An Evening of Art and Soul with a FairyTale Ending
For more than a decade, Albrecht Events has planned a 2-day holiday extravaganza full of surprises for this client. Even the destination is unknown to guests until they arrive at the event. This year’s venue, The Philadelphia Art Museum, provided an inspiring and sophisticated setting for this private social event. Influenced by the world-renowned collection of art and grand architecture of this landmark building, our team’s creative vision brought the arts to life through a variety of entertainment.
Greeted by a solo jazz guitarist, guests were introduced to the artsy, soulful vibe of the evening. In the Great Stair Hall, a soul jazz quartet performed a high-energy, funky, dynamic repertoire during cocktail hour. The grand staircase provided a dramatic visual with pattern lighting that changed color with music cues and event programming throughout the evening.
Strolling entertainment enhanced the cocktail hour while guests could explore art galleries, including a Special Dior Fashion Exhibition. A costumed photographer mingled and interacted with guests as she snapped their photo and gave it to them as a memento. Fitting for the current exhibit at the Museum, a fashion illustrator created sketches of guests.
The wow moment came just before dinner as musicians began to appear one by one scattered on the grand staircase while lighting created a dramatic effect. Working closely with the audio/visual company, Albrecht Events created an experience that was projected onto the staircase at the museum and synced musically to an instrumental by the lead violinist. Next a very talented vocalist sauntered down the stairs, sang a unique arrangement of ‘Hallelujah’ and delivered an emotionally charged performance accompanied by a 14-piece band with wireless instruments.
After the song performance on the stairs, guests were invited upstairs to long banquet tables in a u shape around the balcony for dinner. A music ensemble continued to entertain during dinner, including holiday favorites. Guests returned to the Great Stair Hall for dessert and dancing the night away with a full dance band that features a unique blend of soul, blues, R&B, funk and rock. As expected, the band kept the crowd on the dance floor all night long until they were left chanting “One More Song!”
The spirit of imagination was certainly alive as the Nutcracker theme and holiday cheer splashed over Vie the next morning for family brunch. A delicious meal and sweet treats were served in the main ballroom while various family friendly activities kept little ones busy in the kids’ lounge and play area. There was a fairytale feeling with a sweet, sophisticated, and modern palate of mauve, white and gold with festive elements such as nutcrackers, ornaments, silver lanterns, candles, sparkling snowflakes and flocked evergreen trees.
Adding to the whimsy and magic of the space, a ballerina standing hoop aerialist welcomed guests as they arrived. A walk around magician played the part of Clara’s Godfather, Herr Drosselmeier, and provided strolling magic throughout the event. A candy cane on roller skates, a dancing ballerina, and a strolling Nutcracker photographer interacted with guests to add to the fun.
Petite tables and pink chairs provided a whimsical craft station for children to paint and design their very own wooden Nutcrackers and write letters to Santa. The play area featured toys and games, a Victorian dollhouse and play figurines, a puppet theater with puppets of characters from The Nutcracker, a play table with board games, and a reading nook with a soft ivory and pink teepee.
This company’s holiday gathering is always surprising, lively, and memorable for all ages.
