Gone to a symphony concert lately? Me neither. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra in effort to get the younger generation to attend more of its concerts subsidizes some of its tickets for you.

Besides, it makes for an unusual date. So if you're in the under-30 set, you can take advantage of the tsoundcheck deal, which gives you cheap tickets for just $12!

Meanwhile, the TSO needs to raise money to continue providing some of the best symphonic music to our city. So each year they hold a fundraiser.

This year, they held their 17th annual event at the posh Carlu, which took the form of a Fine Wine Festival as well as the Gala Dinner and Dream Auction on Tuesday night.

The fancy $350 per person gala included a reception sponsored by Jackson Triggs, which was folllowed by a gourmet three-course dinner, accompanied by select wines from Peller Estates winery.

After dinner was the auction, partly hosted by the Honourable Bob Rae. It was kind of absurd hearing him beg for higher bids. Items included a two-day Bentley rental (valued at $1500).

If that's not enough to make you envious, a dinner for 14 at an exclusive Toronto home catered by Jamie Kennedy went for over $21,000.

This year's numbers aren't in just yet, but last year's event raised $280,000 for the TSO.

If you missed the gala dinner and want to help support one of our city's finest institutions, get your rich uncle to take you to the Fine Wine Auction on Saturday from 10am to 4pm at Ritchies Auctioneers and Appraisers (380 King Street East). What better way to add to your cellar or start a collection of some truly remarkable finds.

Photo of TSO conductor Peter Oundjian in the auditorium at The Carlu by Roger Cullman.