The fabulous affair began with Champagne and hors d’oeuvres at a freshly renovated Jones Hall before a performance featuring Juraj Valčuha leading the large, stage-filling orchestra and Houston Symphony Chorus — including a special performance by soprano Erin Morley. The night shifted into a new gear after the show, as some 350 patrons were ferried on luxury busses to a regally decked-out Corinthian for a lavish dinner, per the custom.
“The décor, created by The Events Company, drew inspiration from Paris,” noted a Symphony rep. “Tables, dressed in French-inspired blue linens filled the room, and were topped with candelabras and varying high and low floral centerpieces in shades of pink and red with hints of blue and green. Additionally, an Eiffel Tower adorned with florals accompanied the red carpet.”
The rep described the menu. “Dinner began with a bib lettuce wedge salad with toasted walnuts, grilled pear, pickled celery, radishes, crumbled roquefort and moutard de meaux vinaigrette.” The entrée was grilled sea bass with saffron beurre blanc and fennel-olive vierge, spaghetti squash, jumbo asparagus and cute mini-muffins of potato and dill. Thanks to a long and enduring partnership with Lindy and John Rydman of Spec’s Wine, Spirits, & Finer Foods, wine selections for the meal were first-rate. For dessert: a chocolate terrine with crème anaglaise, almond tuile and melon sorbet.
Mariglyn and Stephen Glenn were chairs for the lovely night, in which performing arts champion Beth Madison was honored. ConocoPhillips was a major sponsor for the event for the 38th year. VIP guests included Margaret Alkek Williams, Bobbie Nau, Betty and Jesse Tutor, Suresh and Renu Khator, Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees, Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin.
Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees
Betty and Jesse Tutor
Asley and Peggy Smith and Betsy and Rick Weber
Beth Madison
Suresh and Renu Khator
Janet Gurtwitch and Ron Franklin
Margaret Alkek Williams and Bill Stubbs
Lea and Dee Hunt
Janet Clark, Ginger Clark
Wayne and Tammy Nguyen
Bill and Brittany Bullock
Tammie and Charles Johnson
Mariglyn and Stephen Glenn
Darlene Clark and Edwin Friedrichs
Joan and Bob Duff
Robin Barr Sussman
Chris Becker
