Spirits of Summer Transports Revelers to Ancient Greece

As The Odyssey swept summer’s biggest silver screens, an odyssey of a different kind made its way to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on a blazing August night. 

Guests clad in regal gowns, flowing togas and gold-leaf tiaras ascended the building’s grand front staircase on their way to Spirits of Summer, an innovative cocktail party supporting the Nashville Symphony. Such attire made this year’s theme, Mythos and Melodies, abundantly clear. The evening transported revelers to ancient Greece for cocktails, conversation and performances from skilled symphony musicians.

Co-chairs Jasmine Greer, Valentina Guidi and Alex Payton warmly welcomed guests to the sophisticated reception, complete with a harpist, a Greek wine-tasting station and a stoic living statue resembling Nike, painted gold and adorned with majestic wings. 

Guests ventured into the Laura Turner Concert Hall for an even greater delight — a cocktail competition. Skilled mixologists from Modern Love, Soho House, Love’s Alibi and Demure Cocktail Lounge stepped up to the challenge, serving craft cocktails inspired by classical arrangements — and Greek gods and goddesses. 

The evening had a captivating rhythm: A mixologist shared the inspiration behind their custom cocktail on video. Servers swiftly distributed glasses of the drink. And once everyone had a libation in hand, Nashville Symphony performers brought the room to a hush with an accompanying piece of music. 

Talking or leaving the room during performances was highly discouraged — and respect for the art form was paramount. This house rule kept the audience’s attention rapt and the Nashville Symphony’s musicianship on full display. 

While all signature cocktails ignited the senses, Soho House’s Josh Lindsey won for his Hades-inspired creation, “The Wealthy One” — an homage to the Greek belief that everything of value comes from the ground. And the Nashville Symphony’s suspenseful, brooding performance of Philip Glass’ “String Quartet No. 2” completed the perfect pairing.