The Austin Symphony Orchestra’s Maestro’s Dream Gala Dazzles With “A Night On The Town” Theme

Manhattan Is Front And Center As Creative Inspiration

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography courtesy of The Austin Symphony

THE SCENE: The Junior League in Austin was the setting for a dazzling night out that effortlessly combined big-city glamour with an intimate, community feel. Over 300 of the area’s top art patrons, community leaders, sociables, and philanthropists attended the annual Maestro’s Dream Gala. Benefiting the Austin Symphony, this year’s theme, A Night on the Town, took the event to a whole new level.

THE VIBE: The cocktail-attire crowd featured a mix of classic ensembles while others brought the spirit of New York with them by donning bold colors, metallics, and sequins. The result was a friendly, festive environment for all who attended.

Upon arriving at The Junior League, many commemorated the evening in the Big Yellow Taxi photo booth. After that, revelers headed to the bar to grab their favorite spirit. Against the elegant backdrop of a piano playing, guests mingled and perused an impressive selection of curated silent auction items.

Before entering the ballroom, guests were treated to a trio of curated experiences that helped elevate the evening. First, soprano Mela Sarajane Dailey dazzled the audience with a rendering of “People” with a piano accompaniment by Sherrie Stewart. Then, as guests walked into the ballroom, they were greeted by a Newsie who handed out programs printed in classic newspaper form. Finally, guests could walk the red carpet for a photo under the lights.

Partygoers took to their seats and dined on a delectable multi-course meal. During the program, attendees were treated to words from event leaders, including the new CEO of The Austin Symphony, Justus Zimmerman, and Maestro Peter Bay, who each thanked them for being a part of a special evening.

Next, the crowd was treated to a musical performance of the iconic Irving Berlin song “Cheek to Cheek” by The Austin Symphony’s Principal Trombonist Tyler Vahldick. Following that, philanthropists and legendary Austinites Eva Womack and her late husband Martin Womack were honored for their tireless support of The Austin Symphony over the years, which left barely a dry eye in the house.

The evening continued with a spirited live auction and Fund-A-Dream helmed by John Curley of John Curley Auctions. The paddles went up as revelers bid on an array of luxury experiences, with a Costa Rica getaway and an escape to Estes Park emerging as the most popular. On a high from the auction, the fun continued well into the night with a lively after party, where revelers took to the floor dancing to the tunes of the popular Austin-based band Hotcakes.

THE NON-PROFIT: Maestro’s Dream: A Night on the Town, chaired by Sherrie and Jay Stewart, raised over $500,000 for The Austin Symphony. Proceeds from the event will go towards education and programs that serve the organization’s mission to deliver world-class performances while nurturing the next generations of music lovers through educational programs that reach over 90,000 Central Texas children and families annually.