Inside the Symphony's Million-Dollar Musical Evening

Inside the Symphony's Million-Dollar Musical Evening

Beth Wolff, Janet Clark, Bill Stubbs and Cheryl Byington

THE WORD OF the night at the 2022 Symphony Ball was “harmony.” The music was melodious, the company was congenial, and the perfectly paired plates and wines were delicious. Not to mention, the actual theme of the Ball was “The Symphony World in Harmony."


Although not quite as populous as pre-Covid times, the annual gala was attended by nearly 350 well heeled guests, who arrived at The Post Oak Hotel serenaded by The Dave Bennet Quartet. The evening recognized Margaret Alkek Williams and Janet F. Clark for their longtime philanthropic contributions and CEO John Mangum for his artful leadership.

Before a dinner created by Executive Chef Jean-Luc Royere — complete with wine pairings courtesy of Lindy and John Rydman of Spec’s — guests perused the silent auction, and later enjoyed a special acoustic performance by rockstar Sammy Hagar and his guitarist Vic Johnson.

The event — attended by Alex and Reagan Bregman, Tony Buzbee and oil-biz heavy-hitters — also celebrated a bittersweet season for the Symphony, which will bid adieu to Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada later this year.

More than $1.1 million was raised to further the Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement programs, which bring the joy of music into schools and hospitals all over the region.

Beth Zdeblick and Hallie Vanderhider

Tammie and Charles Johnson

Aisha Jokhio, Yoon Smith and Alice Mao Brams

Betty Tutor and Ann Ayre

Susan and Denis DeBakey

Eric and Lisa Lindsey

Gabriella and Eduardo Berain with Lydia Gold

Sheridan and John Eddie Williams

Gwen McMurry, Carey Kirkpatrick, Lil Kades and Megan Ryan

Reagan Bregman and Heather Almond

Lindy and John Rydman

Kevin Black and Tony Bradfield

John and Regina Mangum

Leslie Siller

Parties
Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

Keep Reading Show less

Diana Madero, Thea Pheasey, Alejandra Peterman, Hillary Jebbitt

EIGHT CHEFS, THIRTY years — and one big dinner! Urban Harvest rang in its fourth decade of community gardens, farmers markets and food access at their annual farm-to-table dinner cooked up by some of the most notable chefs in town.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

The inspired menu at Amalfi emphasizes fresh seafood and, on right, Giancarlo Ferrara

THIS WEDNESDAY, AMALFI Ristorante will transport guests to the sun-soaked shores of Southern Italy’s Campania region, home to the glamorous island of Capri, with a six-course dinner. The menu, curated by Executive Chef Giancarlo Ferrara, will be paired with wines from Agricola Bellaria Winery, one of Campania’s most celebrated estates.

Keep Reading Show less
Food