Event Date: January 31, 2026
Event: Gala
Beneficiary: Houston Symphony
No. in attendance: 425
Monies raised: $1,200,000
Chairpersons: Lindy and John Rydman
Photography: Priscilla Dickson and Jacob Power
“Musique et Vin” brought Houston Symphony Ball a Seven-Figure Sophisticated Old World White-Tie Evening
A packed assemblage of white-tie-clad guests gathered to celebrate our city’s beloved Houston Symphony at its annual gala. This year, chaired by Lindy & John Rydman, owners of Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods, the event was aptly themed “Musique et Vin,” which paid tribute to the timeless harmony between music and wine, blending Old World sophistication with vibrant orchestral flair.
The ballroom was transformed into an elegant European-inspired escape replete with multi-colored florals and scarlet draperies. A magnificent, curated silent auction kept guests excited and bidding throughout the night.
Dinner was a “feast for the senses,” featuring a delectable three-course menu paired with fine wines.
Following the meal, the dance floor became the “center of attention.” The high-energy entertainment by Q the Band, generously underwritten by ARCA Continental/Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, kept guests celebrating late into the evening.
By evening’s end, the Houston Symphony had raised over $1.2 million to continue their Education and Community Engagement Initiatives, which continue to inspire audiences across Houston and beyond.
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Symphony CEO Gary Ginstling, Carey Kirkpatrick, Margaret Alkek Williams, Barbara and Pat McCelvey, Devorah and David Krieger, Barbara J. Burger, Jesse Tutor, Sidney Faust, Warner Roberts, Elsie Eckert, Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Betsy and Fredric Weber, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, David Peavy and Stephen McCauley, Hallie Vanderhider, Brigitte Kalai, Justice Brett and Erin Busby, Matthew and Lil Kades, Tara and David Wuthrich, Tom and Carrie Field, Rini and Edward Ziegler, Eric and Kathryn Brueggeman, Chris Cheever, Diane Morales, Lisa Rydman Lindsey, Mike Parsons, Aoife and David Cunningham, Gretchen and Jay Watkins, Anne and Albert Chao
