Catering the event with lots of gourmet nibbles were Andrea Picchi (left) and Linda Creighton of Cugini's.

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Twenty-one year old soloist Ryan Karchut is a local lad who returned from New York's pretigious Julliard to be the evening's featured performer.

Sinfonia president Brent Lehmann (left) and treasurer John Heskin were only too happy to promote the opening of the symphony's second season.

Sitting to the conductor's right were bass players Brian Arkell and Anne Duranceau.

C'est magnifique. French horn player Steve Denroche is one of many musicians who live here on the shore.

Viola player Isabelle Roland (left) and violinist Sandra Fiddes deserved to take a bow.

Trumpet player Chris Robertson (left) and viola player Evelyn Creaser are both in their second year with the orchestra.

"It was wonderful," said West Van's Joan Vander Helm and Nini Ginivisian as the concert ended.

Autrian Consulate's Trudy Duller helped collector Claus Jahnke show off a 1910 dress worn by Emilie Floge, a friend of artist Gustav Klimt who was also the model for his famous painting "The Kiss".

Successful West Van businessman Graham Clarke was one of many fans seated in the audience.

Cheryl Karchut and husband Bob have reason to look proud after seeing son Ryan's solo performance this evening.

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A toast to composer Michael Conway-Baker (left) and maestro/conductor Clyde Mitchell (right) for putting together a wonderful opening night.