Event Date: September 19, 2026
Location: Jones Hall-Concert; The Corinthian-Gala
Event: Concert and Gala
Beneficiary: Houston Symphony
No. in attendance: 450
Monies raised: $850,000
Chairpersons: Joella and Steven P. Mach
Conductor: Steven Reineke
Symphony Stars: Matthew McConaughey and Isabel Leonard
Presenting Sponsor: ConocoPhillips
Gala Entertainment: Fiammetta Quartet from Rice University Shepherd School of Music, Sons of the American Revolution, and University of Houston Chorus, Moores School Concert Chorale led by Houston Symphony Chorus Director Anthony J. Maglione
Photography: Jacob Power and Marco Wang
An Academy Award-Winning Actor. A Grammy Award-Winning Soprano. 90 Superb Musicians with their Conductor. Our Houston Symphony Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary at its Opening Night Concert and Gala
The Houston Symphony kicked off its 2026-2027 musical season with its always-popular, well-attended Opening Night Concert and Gala. This elegant affair began with guests arriving at Lynn Wyatt Square to sip champagne and signature cocktails and sample hors d’oeuvres in the Lynn Wyatt Pavilion. Pantalones Organic Tequila, owned by Matthew and Camila McConaughey, provided signature Americana cocktails for attendees to sample. The University of Houston Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band added a bit of fun, delighting the crowd with a few musical selections before leading them across the street into Jones Hall.
The evening was beautifully chaired by longtime Symphony supporters Joella and Steven P. Mach and celebrated music, Houston and America’s 250th anniversary. For the 40th consecutive year, ConocoPhillips served as Sponsor and Lead Corporate Gala Underwriter.
More than 450 guests enjoyed Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke (one of my personal favorites) leading a moving, poignant, and perfect program as Grammy-award-winning mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard joined the orchestra. Academy Award-winning actor and native Texan Matthew McConaughey narrated Aaron Copland’s iconic Lincoln Portrait. The work featured Abraham Lincoln’s actual words, drawn from his letters and speeches. Reineke and the Houston Symphony’s impressive presentation showcased works by six living American composers (including composer Karen LeFrak, who attended), along with works by George Gershwin, reinforcing the traditions that have shaped our nation over these 250 years.
After this illustrious musical presentation, gala-goers gathered in front of Jones Hall and were seamlessly transported a few blocks away by Karr Limousine’s buses to The Corinthian, where a beautiful ballroom awaited them. In keeping with the evening’s patriotic theme, décor giant Swift, with production assistance from Preisler Productions, transformed the space with shades of red, white, and blue. As guests arrived and climbed the grand staircase, members of the Alexander Hodge Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution greeted them along the way, and the Fiammetta Quartet from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music provided entertainment.
A lavish meal from City Kitchen, paired perfectly with wine courtesy of Lindy & John Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods, delighted everyone. The apple pie, vanilla ice cream, and caramel sauce served for dessert brought the night to a very patriotic end, ready for a melodic close.
Moores School Concert Chorale surprised guests with performances of “Shenandoah” and “America the Beautiful,” led by Houston Symphony Chorus Director Anthony J. Maglione. Everyone jumped to their feet to celebrate our nation’s semiquincentennial.
By evening’s end, more than $850,000 had been raised in support of the Houston Symphony. This now becomes the largest amount raised in Houston Symphony Opening Night Concert & Gala history! A fitting conclusion to a beautiful symphonic American tribute!
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Margaret Alkek Williams, Khoa and Quynh Dao, Barbara and Pat McCelvey, John and Lindy Rydman, Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Janet F. Clark, Barbara J. Burger, Betty and Jesse Tutor, Cora Sue Mach and the Mach Family, Tara and David Wuthrich, Mary Lynn Marks, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, Elia and Michael Gabbanelli, Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Beth Madison, Katie and Bob Orr, Tracy and Valerie Dieterich, Heidi Turney, Brigitte Kalai, Farida Abjani, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Cheryl Byington, Dr. Jacquie Baly and James Craig, Kusum and Cody Patel, Rini and Edward Ziegler, Jason and Megan Ryan, Lance Parker, Yoonshin Song and Alex Sakerello, Gary Ginstling and Marta Lederer, Brett and Erin Busby, Michele Leal and George Farah, Jerre Williams, Jakub Tolar and Simona Tolar, Chris and Kristy Bradshaw, David and Devorah Krieger
