parties

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

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Parties
promoted

Leadership in Action: Entrepreneur Saba Syed of Moroccan Bath Determined to Build ‘Lasting Legacy’

Saba Syed, Founder of Oasis Moroccan Bath

How did you get to where you are today? My journey began with a need to be financially independent and an even a deeper drive to create a lasting legacy. The centuries-old Hammam tradition has always fascinated me—not just for its relaxation benefits, but for its holistic approach to cleansing the body, mind, and soul. So, combining my passion with a vision to bring an authentic yet luxurious Hammam spa experience to Houston, I took the leap less than two years ago to open my own spa.

Keep Reading Show less
music

With New Concept Album, Jacob Hilton Processes Mental-Health Struggles

Dakota Garrett

Jacob Hilton, a.k.a. Travid Halton, at home in his kitchen, where he enjoys cooking as a form of therapy.

PINK FLOYD'S THE Wall. Sinatra’s In the Wee Small Hours. Beyonce’s Lemonade. Three divergent examples of the album as a cathartic, psychological, conceptual work, meant to be experienced in a single sitting. Houston singer-songwriter Jacob Hilton, 37, who records as Travid Halton, a portmanteau of his mother and father’s names, might balk at being mentioned in such company. (This is a thoroughly unpretentious man, who describes himself as an “archaeologist turned singer-songwriter.”)

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment