The “Diane Wittry 20th Anniversary Tribute & Benefit” Oct. 1 was attended by 175 at the tribute in Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown, and 125 at the dinner in the Rodale Community Room.

The “Painted Violin Auction” held in conjunction with the tribute raised $10,000.

Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski designated Oct. 1 as “Diane Wittry Day” in Allentown and presented her with a proclamation.

Diane Wittry, Allentown Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor, is only the ASO’s third conductor. Donald Voorhees was the first conductor for 32 years until 1983 of the ASO, now in its 65th anniversary season. William Smith was conductor 1986 - ‘93.

Wittry received proclamations from State Rep. Peter Schweyer (D-22) and State Rep. Mike Schlossberg (D-132) and a congratulatory letter from League Of American Orchestras President and CEO Jesse Rosen.

A video about Wittry and the ASO by director Stephanie Gardner was shown.

Michael Drabenstott, past Allentown Symphony Association board member, was emcee of the tribute.

Drabenstott said that during Wittry’s tenure she has overseen a tremendous leap forward in the excellence of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and has kept concerts fresh through innovative programming, showcasing the work of new composers and the great masters.

“Diane is always looking for that unexpected twist for a concert to catch your attention, like trumpets sounding from the balcony or flamenco dancers sashaying across the stage. She calls these ‘purple cows,’ “ Drabenstott said.

“Diane’s determination to achieve the best, whether it is a purple cow, or guest artist, or a new timpani, is why we have experienced 20 years of great concerts here at Miller Symphony Hall,” Drabenstott said.

Drabenstott also mentioned how Wittry has inspired young conductors over the world through her teaching and books, one of which, “Beyond The Baton,” published by Oxford University Press, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 2007.

Seventeen Lehigh Valley artists donated their time and talents to transform retired, unplayable violins into works of art. The violins were displayed in the windows of Miller Symphony Hall prior to the auction, which raised approximately $10,000.

Wittry received a painted violin decorated by Linda La Due, Parkland High School art teacher, and a framed print of her accomplishments.

Area artists who painted violins included: Chris P. Jones, Ron De Long, Ann A. Lalik, Michelle Neifert, Erin Anderson, Rosemary Geseck, Ann Schlegel, Corianne Thompson, Kim Hogan, Virginia Abbott, Andi Grunberg, Ana M. Hamilton, Sharon Schenkel, Jane Heft, Kevin Jamison, Linda La Due and Laura L. Elmore.

Special guests included musicians Marilyn Kistler, 60 years of service; Lee Walck and Milt Focht, 50 years of service, and artist Linda La Due.

Musicians celebrating 20 years or more with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra were presented with certificates from State Sen. Patrick M. Browne (R-16th) and gold pins designating their years of service from the Allentown Symphony Association.

Allentown Symphony Association board presidents, representing 20 years, 1995 to 2015, with each serving two years, include: Barbara McGovern, L. Charles Marcon, Atty. Malcolm Gross, Jo-Ann Kelly, Suzanne H. Mason, Kristine Burfeind, William Edmundson, David Osborn, John Berseth, Peter Kern and Philip Jackson (2015 - ‘17).

Guests at the tribute dinner, with Catering by Karen Hunter, included Heather Rodale and Carl Barndt, Dr. Michael Badellino and Karen Badellino, Ruth and L. Charles Marcon, Joan Lardner Paul, Peter and Nancy Yenawine, and David and Judy Mickenberg.

Sponsors included Donald and Maureen Frederick, William and Margaret Hecht, Alvin H. Butz, and Joan Moran and William Fenza.

Patrons included Peter and Carol Kern, and Missy and Sam Saxton.