Rob Giardinelli
Parisian-Inspired Event Raises Funds For The Organization’s Prolific Musical Programs
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Priscilla Dickson and Jacob Power
THE SCENE: The Post Oak Hotel in Houston was the setting for one of Space City’s most anticipated fundraising events of the year. Over 375 of the region’s top art patrons, sociables, community leaders, and philanthropists turned out for the annual Houston Symphony Ball. Benefiting the Houston Symphony, the dazzling, elegant night featured a majestic theme. It honored longtime supporters on a night that those fortunate enough to be a part of will not soon forget.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd took full advantage of the night theme: Monet’s Garden, in honor of iconic French artist Claude Monet. Women donned a beautiful mix of jewel tones, pastels, and floral print gowns that perfectly complimented the classic black-tie fare…with a few white-tie ensembles spotted for good measure. The night began with a cocktail hour in The Post Oak foyer, where patrons sipped on champagne in honor of the French-inspired theme.
During the cocktail hour, guests were seen taking images in front of the picturesque scene amid a stunning replica of Monet’s Garden, complete with a life-sized frame and bridge over a lily pond, making for the ultimate keepsake. During the cocktail hour, revelers could be seen mingling, brimming with anticipation of the fabulous night of festivities that were about to unfold. Others could be seen bidding on their favorite auction items where the bidding went up as partygoers bid on an array of luxury goods and experiences, including “Date Night” for a year at Steak 48, a Tahitian pearl and diamond cocktail ring from Valobra Master Jewelers, and luxury getaways to Colorado, Montana, and Belize being among the most popular.
The action then moved to the ballroom for the main program. Jaws dropped as guests were wowed at the stunning tapestry created by the legendary Richard Flowers of the Events Company. The room featured a stunning palette of lavender, pink, and white hues against a backdrop of green that transported guests to Paris in Spring.
Once revelers took to their seats, they dined on a delectable, French-themed, multi-course dinner, of course, courtesy of Post Oak’s Executive Chef Jean-Luc Royere. The dinner featured a French country salad, filet mignon, and a Grand Marnier pain perdu topped with praline cremuz and hazelnut crumble. During the program, guests were treated to words from the organization and event leaders thanking them for their support of the Houston Symphony.
The night honored Cora Sue Mach with the Houston Symphony’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her tireless support of the organization, and Franco Valobra with the Houston Symphony’s Community Honoree for the Valobra Master Jewelers continued support and contributions to the arts and their impact on the Houston artistic community. The night was capped off with dancing where revelers cut a rug to the tunes of Q the Band.
THE NON-PROFIT: The 2025 Houston Symphony Ball, co-chaired by Zane and Brady Carruth & Brittany and Adam Clark, raised funds for the Houston Symphony. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards the organization’s industry-leading Education and Community Engagement initiatives.
To view coverage of last year’s Houston Symphony Ball, click here.
