Old World Elegance: Symphony’s Viennese Ball a Beautiful, Million-Dollar Smash

Priscilla Dickson and Daniel Ortiz
Old World Elegance: Symphony’s Viennese Ball a Beautiful, Million-Dollar Smash

David Krieger, Devorah Rose, Chita and Lane Craft

THE SPRING SOCIAL season is off with a crescendo! On a chilly night in late January, one of Houston’s most elegant and memorable galas, the annual Symphony Ball, boasted a white-tied crowd of 400 at The Post Oak Hotel — not to mention at till of more than $1 million for the company’s community engagement initiatives. Talk about a high note!


The theme was all Old World opulence — Vienna Fête Impériale. “Fashioned by Richard Flowers of The Events Company, the décor perfectly blended Vienna’s and America’s culture with crystal chandeliers, candelabras and tables covered in custom linens filling the room with varying sizes of floral arrangements, all assorted shades of pink,” noted a Houston Symphony rep. Special entertainment included professional ballroom dancers performing — what else? — the Viennese waltz.

Dinner was as posh as the environs. The menu highlighted a grilled radicchio Caesar salad, roasted filet mignon with demi-glace and potato puree, and, for dessert, tiramisu with amaretto cream. After the meal, guests crowded the dance floor as Q the band played a mix of standards, Motown and other party faves.

The ball was chaired by Tammie Johnson and physicians Charles Johnson, Alice Mao Brams and Matt Brams. The honorees, all glittering and grateful, were recognized; they included Brigitte and Bashar Kalai, Sippi Khurana, and Betty and Jesse Tutor, the latter feted for lifetime achievement. Other VIPs afloat in the ballroom included Margaret Alkek Williams, Joanne King Herring, Hallie Vanderheider, Bobbie Dees, Kristy Bradshaw, Daniel Irion, Kirk Kveton, John and Lindy Rydman, Reggie and Paula DesRoches, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, and Alicia Smith.

Betty and Jesse Tutor

Brigitte and Bashar Kalai

Co-Chairs Dr. Charles and Tammie Johnson and Drs. Alice Mao Brams and Matt Brams

Dancers performing Viennese Waltz

Bill Stubbs and Kurt Grether

Dr. Alice Mao Brams, Ann Ayre and Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell

Hallie Vanderheider and Bobby Dees;

Joanne King Herring and John Magnum

Kristy Bradshaw and Carey Kirkpatrick

Margaret Alkek Williams and John Mangum

Quentin and Aerin Smith

Ralph Burch and Vicki West

Sippi and Ajay Khurana

People + Places
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep ReadingShow less
People + Places

IN THE SEVENTH annual portfolio, meet luminaries from all walks of life who have helped make Houston — and beyond — a better place. Sponsored by Valobra Master Jewelers

Keep ReadingShow less
People + Places

THE UPCOMING AIA Houston Home Tour is always an anticipated fall event, a style showcase from some of the city’s best architects, designers and tastemakers. The two-day, self-guided tour includes several custom homes in the area that exhibit design excellence, innovative design solutions, and sustainable features.

Keep ReadingShow less
Home + Real Estate