Event Date: May 8, 2026
Location: On stage at Jesse H. Jones Hall of the Performing Arts
Event: Gala
Beneficiary: Houston Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement initiatives
No. in attendance: 350
Monies raised: $900,000
Chairperson: Janet F. Clark
Wine Auction Chair: Jack Matzer
Cuisine: Le Jardinier, Chef Felipe Botero
Wine Pairings: John & Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey, Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods
Photography: Priscilla Dickson
A Michelin Star and 100-Point Wines at Houston Symphony Wine Dinner & Collector’s Auction
Chairperson Janet F. Clark, Wine Auction Chair Jack Matzer, and 350 Houston Symphony supporters—many of whom were food and wine aficionados—flocked to Jones Hall to celebrate the annual Houston Symphony Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction.
Guests arrived and meandered along the levels of the grand staircase, placing bids on an array of wines, spirits and experiences. Among the most anticipated and sought-after items were a three-night stay in Champagne and three bottles of 1983 Château Leoville-Las Cases ‘Gran Vin de Leoville’ Saint Julien, Bordeaux. The raffle featured a highly prized case of a Robert Parker-rated 100-point wine.
As dinner chimes called the crowd into Jones Hall auditorium, the stage beckoned them to savor the four-course culinary delight prepared by Chef Felipe Botero of Michelin-starred Le Jardinier, with expertly chosen wine pairings by John & Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods.
The staged ambiance evoked a modern garden, with shades of green, suspended elements, hanging installations, a starfield projection and lush, fresh centerpieces. Along with the curated menu and beautifully selected wines, the scene felt warm, romantic and inviting.
Standout dishes from the cuisine offerings included French White Asparagus and Kaluga Caviar; Spring Pea Custard and Morel & Mushroom Fricassee; and Citrus Violin and Strawberry Mousse.
As the sold-out gala drew to a close, the evening deserved a standing ovation, with over $900,000 raised for the Houston Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement initiatives.
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Bobbie Nau, Margaret Alkek Williams, Gary Hollingsworth, David Wuthrich, Eric & Kathryn Brueggeman, Joan & Robert Duff, Betty & Jesse Tutor, Ann & Jonathan Ayre, Elia & Michael Gabbanelli, Jennifer & Scott Allison, Tammy & Wayne Nguyen, Elaine Finger, Vicki West, Nini Hale, Maria Moncada-Alaoui & Omar Alaoui, Khoa & Quynh Dao, Sippi & Ajay Khurana, David Peavy & Stephen McCauley, Concert Master Yoonshin Song, Sidney Faust, Elsie Eckert, Heidi Turney, Brigitte Kalai, Farida Abjani, John & Elena Young, Aggie Foster & Steve Simon, James Barlow and Kim & Guy Stout
