Mercury Orchestra Blasts Off, with Fun Retro-Space-Age Gala and Supporters Like Lynn Wyatt

Priscilla Dickson

Mercury Artistic Director Antoine Plante and Lynn Wyatt on the dance floor at the Mercury gala

ONE OF HOUSTON'S most prestigious performing arts organizations, the Mercury orchestra, threw a fabulous “Retro-Futuristic” gala at the Post Oak Hotel, complete with a space-themed musical presentation and a top-tier guest list including Lynn Wyatt.

“The elegant evening raised more than $375,000 for Mercury’s concerts and education programs, with gala décor designed by Art Attack and a sumptuous three-course meal by the Post Oak’s award-winning chef,” said a rep for the ball’s organizers. “Amidst décor that evoked the excitement and adventurous spirit of space travel, the 270 guests dined on a first course of heirloom tomato and burrata salad with quinoa and basil dressing. The main course featured glazed short ribs with mustard spätzle, Swiss chard and braising jus, followed by a delightful crème fraiche panna cotta with pistachio sponge, lemon cream and macerated strawberries.”

But the real dessert was the Artistic Director Antoine Plante and Mercury’s after-dinner concert, which included silent film footage from Voyage de Lune and the scores from 2001 A Space Odyssey, Star Trek and ET, along with ditties such as Fly Me to the Moon and Rocket Man by Wyatt’s bestie Elton John.

Gala chairs Kelly and David Rose and Mercury Executive Director Brian Ritter and his husband Christopher Michael Stribling — the latter duo enjoying their first night out since welcoming a new baby in recent months — greeted guests including Katrina and Nick Peacock, Mindy and Josh Davidson, Mollie and Wayne Brunetti, Lisa and Gary Cohen and retired astronaut Peggy Whitson.