Event Date: September 29, 2023
Location: Jones Hall and Corinthian Houston
Event: Gala
Beneficiaries: Houston Symphony
No. in attendance: 350
Money Raised: $635,000
Chairpersons: Marilglyn and Stephen Glenn
Honoree: Beth Madison
Décor: The Events Company
Cuisine: City Kitchen
Photography: Daniel Ortiz and Jacob Power
Houston Symphony’s Opening Night Concert & Gala Was a Lofty Six-Figure Success at the Newly Renovated Jones Hall
The Janice H. & Thomas D. Barrow 2023-2024 Classical Season began seamlessly for Houston Symphony, where 350 black-tie guests were greeted at the recently renovated Jones Hall for the Performing Arts for the annual Opening Night Concert & Gala.
This $60 million facelift will span five years. The historic exterior profile remains intact, while the interior is being redesigned to enrich the performance experience. For the upcoming season, recently installed vertical aisles, new auditorium seating and dramatically improved acoustics are just the beginning. The Hall’s courtyard level receives a sizeable increase to the number of bathroom facilities and a new primary elevator. More exciting additions will follow during the next several years to give guests a beautiful memory of their visit to Jones Hall.
The evening performance, sponsored by ConocoPhillips, featured Conductor Juraj Valčuha leading the orchestra and Soprano Erin Morley alongside the Houston Symphony Chorus. The unique post-performance journey is always interesting, as guests are transported from the hallowed hall via luxury buses, to the gala dinner at Corinthian Houston. Chairpersons Mariglyn and Stephen Glenn and honoree Beth Madison welcomed guests to the seated affair, where stunning Parisian décor by The Events Company and cuisine prepared by City Kitchen set the evening’s ambiance. Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods’ owners Lindy and John Rydman paired the delectable fare with carefully chosen wines.
A glorious evening was had by all, who celebrated the more than $635,000 raised for our beloved Houston Symphony.
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): John and Regina Mangum, Margaret Alkek Williams, Bill Stubbs, John and Lindy Rydman, Bill Bullock, Janet Clark, Bobbie Nau, Betty and Jesse Tutor, Tammy and Wayne Nguyen, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, Joan and Bob Duff, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Tammie and Dr. Charles Johnson, Betsy and Rick Weber, Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin, Barbara and Pat McCelvey, Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin, Steve Mach, Joella Mach and Cora Sue Mach, Ashley and Dr. Peggy Smith
