Symphony's Sold-Out Wine Dinner Serves Up a Foodie Feast, Draws Nearly $1M for Community Programs

Priscilla Dickson
Symphony's Sold-Out Wine Dinner Serves Up a Foodie Feast, Draws Nearly $1M for Community Programs

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.


An impressive 365 guests, Champagne in hand, perused the silent auction during the cocktail hour. Buzzed-about packages included a seven-night Tuscan adventure, six bottles of vintage Red Bourdeaux, and more. Once the dinner chimes rang, everyone made their way to the Jones Hall stage, which was outfitted with intricate candelabras and richly colorful blooms courtesy of The Events Company, a nod to the evening's tehem, A Bacchanal Feast.

This year's "feast" was prepared by beloved chef Danny Trace of Potente and featured wine pairings expertly chosen by John and Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec's. The five-course menu was a special treat for attendees. Trace's entree, a perigeux veal with goat-cheese polenta, was truly mouthwatering. And his dessert — a decadent double chocolate cake topped with caramel crunch pearls and Chambord — ensured the evening ended on a high note!

Carey Kirkpatrick, Ken and Mady Kades

Aerin and Quentin Smith

Ann and Jonathan Ayre

Sippi and Ajay Khurana

Betty and Jesse Tutor

Robert and Joan Duff

Bob Weiner and Collector's Auction Chair Jack Matzer

Ralph Burch, Vicki West and Robert Sakowitz

Margaret Alkek Williams, Gary Ginstling

Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees

Lindy and John Rydman

Art + Entertainment
Theresa Roemer Is an Entrepreneur and Podcaster with Great Audience Connection

I AM AN accomplished philanthropist, esteemed motivational speaker, renowned fitness expert, and host of an engaging podcast UNHINGED. Through my diversified endeavors, I have established several successful ventures, including TR Beauty and The Vault, a private community catering to like-minded people. Additionally, I am the founder of Houston Style Icons, a platform dedicated to honoring and acknowledging Houstonian style, and Fashion Woodlands, an annual fashion show that I have meticulously curated. Furthermore, I actively engage with my audience through my YouTube channel, providing valuable content and insights.

Keep Reading Show less

Symphony Springs to Life with Floral-Fabulous Fete

Jacob Power and Priscilla Dickson

Chairs Brady and Zane Carruth, Brittany and Adam Clark

IT ALREADY FEELS like spring in Houston and the spring social season is here with it! 375 guests donned in white-tie flocked to The Post Oak Hotel for the annual Houston Symphony Ball, one of the city’s most anticipated and A-list galas.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

THE TRUFFLE MASTERS is returning for its 11th year on March 3rd. Now a Houston tradition of sorts, the competition sees top chefs creating a dish using black truffles all benefitting Southern Smoke.

Keep Reading Show less