2007.12.1. Microsoft Windows group Christmas party at Benaroya - nicely decorated for the holidays. Buffet dinner on the 1st and 2nd tier at 7pm, desert buffet at the atrium afterwards. Each person receives one ticket for alcoholic drinks. Seattle Symphony holiday concert 8-10pm.

Rossen Milanov, conductor
Joshua Roman, cello
Julian Schwarz, cello

Corelli: "Christmas" Concerto
Barber: Die natali, Choral Preludes for Christmas
Vivaldi: Concerto for Two Cellos in G minor, RV 531
Grainger: Molly on the Shore
Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on Greensleeves
Tchaikovsky: Selections from The Nutcracker

Food wasn't very good. The conductor was too much into acting. Gerard Schwarz's 16 year old son was better than I expected. Audience was a bit "uneducated" than usual. People walked in and out between pieces and applauded at wrong times. Some whispered during their entire time at the concert. They should have been in the atrium where a band was playing and people were dancing and socializing.
The reception for the security group at Fairmont was much better, in terms of food. Plus drink was free. It was a very small room. So, had to make small talks with people I don't (care to) know. Did return here with my host after the concert for another (and better) round of desert.
Well, working for Microsoft seems to have some merit.