Grammy-Winning Ensemble Hits a High Note, Honors Founders at its First Gala Since 2019

Jeff Grass
Grammy-Winning Ensemble Hits a High Note, Honors Founders at its First Gala Since 2019

Marianna Parnas-Simpson and Robert Simpson

MORE THAN 150 supporters of the Grammy-winning Houston Chamber Choir filtered into the Petroleum Club for a magical, musical evening honoring founder and artistic director Robert Simpson and Marianna Parnas-Simpson.


A VIP cocktail reception — complete with bubbly and bourbon — preceded the main event, which kicked off with a silent auction accompanied by pianist Marvin Gaspard. Magician Scott Hollingsworth made his way around the room, wowing guests who were simply pleased to be gathering in person for the first time since 2019.

Following a performance by the Houston Chamber Choir, gala-goers enjoyed dinner and a video tribute to the Simpsons, who gave remarks to the audience. Marianna’s emotional and gracious speech included references to her birth in Ukraine and upbringing in Russia, while Robert thanked the board and donors profusely for their support.

Thanks in part to a unique live auction — items included things like an opportunity to guest-conduct a rehearsal — the evening garnered more than $160,000. Talk about a high note!

Jack Byrom, Greg Goedecke

Emily Hobson, April Harris

Yesely Love, Masha Field

William and Heather Orr

HCC singers

Paula Cordoba, Carolina Borja

Dean Barkley Thompson, Jay Jones

John Catalani, Doreen Stoller, Bill McKenzie, Cece Fowler

Joshua Wilson, Kelli Lawless, Rebecca Castillo, Rachael Castillo

Amanda and Jacob Malinoff

Alli and Sean Bittner

Parties
Timeless Appeal at The Village: Sophisticated Retirement Living

THE STANDARD BEARER FOR LUXURY

We built The Village communities to exemplify sophisticated retirement living in Houston, surrounded by the heritage neighborhood of River Oaks, Tanglewood and Southampton. Each offers impeccable designer finishes and Aspenwood service detail with dining and resortstyle amenities making them premier locations for discerning Houstonians and their families. Impressive, spacious residential floor plans, generous natural light, and expansive terraces allow a new level of indoor-outdoor living. Beautiful spaces are designed for entertaining, fitness, and relaxation with a dedicated team to provide a secure lock and leave lifestyle for our members.

Keep Reading Show less

Chairs Elia and Michael Gabbanelli

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER sold-out Wine Dinner and Collector's Auction for the Houston Symphony. This year's event was chaired by Elia and Michael Gabbanelli, and raised more than $900,000 for the Symphony's education and community programs.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Chef-owner Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club, now serving fried chicken and Champagne on Sunday nights.


IF YOUR SUNDAY nights could use a little sparkle—and a lot of fried chicken—The Marigold Club has just the thing. Starting May 25 at 5pm, the Montrose hotspot known for its playful mix of Southern charm and London polish is rolling out a new weekly tradition: Fried Chicken & Champagne Sundays.

This isn’t your average comfort food situation. We're talking a shareable fried chicken dinner for two, made with farm-raised birds from Deeply Rooted Ranch, and served alongside buttery whipped potatoes, minted peas, aged cheddar scones, and some over-the-top sauces — including a foie gras sauce supreme that’s as extra as it sounds.

Keep Reading Show less
Food