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

Riojas, center, with models in his new Ethereal Blooms line

LAST YEAR, TO celebrate his 40th birthday, Mexico-born, Houston-based fashion designer Alvin Alan Ramírez Riojas made a pilgrimage to the city of San Miguel de Allende, one of the cultural capitals of Mexico. The experience was profound, even spiritual. “When I observed the happiness, the friendly people, the churches, the flowers in every door…” says Riojas, “I thought, ‘I’m going to play with this.’” The vibrancy of San Miguel de Allende’s culture is the inspiration for Ethereal Blooms, Riojas’ new couture collection for men and women, which he will present on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Sawyer Yards in Sabine Street Studios.

Keep Reading Show less
Style

Dynamo player Michelle Alozie in Valentino.

THIS AUTUMN, SEXY and smart streetwear is the objective. Dynamo pros Artur de Lima Jr. of Brazil and Iceland’s Thor Úlfarsson — along with Dash stars and Cali natives Michelle Alozie and Diana Ordóñez — absolutely make the goal. Photos by Phoebe Rourke, Styling by Todd Ramos, Hair and makeup by Edward Sanchez, Art direction by Patrick Magee, Shot on location at The Laura Hotel

Keep Reading Show less
Style