As Its Youth Orchestra Wows Galagoers, Virtuosi Honors Healthcare Heroes

Daniel Ortiz
As Its Youth Orchestra Wows Galagoers, Virtuosi Honors Healthcare Heroes

Carl Hahn, Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman and, Bob Bowman

TWO CAUSES OF utmost importance to Houston were celebrated at a single event: At its annual gala, Virtuosi of Houston, an orchestra comprised of young musicians, honored the city’s healthcare heroes.


The evening, held at the Intercontinental Hotel in the Medical Center, featured performances by the young musicians directed by the group’s founding Artistic Director and Conductor Andrzej Grabjec. Everyone received a standing ovation, of course.

Physician C. Richard Stasney, who founded the Texas Voice Center 30 years ago and serves as a consulting otolaryngologist for HGO, the Alley and TUTS, was among the honorees. Texas Children’s Hospital’s James Versalovic was also recognized for his dedication and commitment throughout the pandemic. And the Innovator Award was presented to Monzer Hourani, who founded Medistar Corporation and invented the Biodefense Indoor Air Protection System.

Chairs Cheryl Byington and Beth Wolff were thrilled with the night’s total till, which topped $180,000 and will go toward ensuring that all young performers will receive opportunities to grow to their full potential at Virtuosi, regardless of race, religion or financial status.

Andrzej Grabiec

The student orchestra

Bharti and Rani Puranik

Susan and Denis DeBakey

Bill Stubbs and Cynthia Wolff

Andrew and Rochelle Deiso

Myrtle Jones and Ashley Brooks

Chad Birken and Lauren Pham

Linda Wiley and David Addickes

Cheryl Byington, James Versalovic , Richard Stasney and Beth Wolff

Gaby Graubart and Gabriela Smith

Leslie Siller and Mary Fusillo

Parties

Toca Madera Bird's Nest patio (photo by Connie Anderson)

FINALLY, FALL WILL arrive this week. Grab a bite and a drink or linger over a multi-course meal at these cool spots — the patios are calling!

Keep Reading Show less
Food

The Camino Huichol over the Wet Deck

VERDANT, WINDING BRANCHES arch up and over a pathway as a soundtrack of herons and chachalacas (and the occasional monkey) plays overhead. Concrete rectangles artfully jut up through the green, painted in rays of sunlight. Eventually, the path leads down to the beach, where the streaks of sun create a cinematic moment: A slim, tan couple emerges from the ocean with their surfboards in hand and their dogs at their heels, the scent of the Pacific lingering in the thick, humid air.

Keep Reading Show less
Style