Jennifer Roosth
Arts Patrons, Collectors, And Wine Enthusiasts Gathered At Jesse H. Jones Hall For The Performing Arts Hosted An Unforgettable Evening Of Fine Dining, Extraordinary Wines, And Elegant Design That Raised More Than $900,000 In Support Of The Houston Symphony’s Education And Community Engagement Initiatives
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Priscilla Dickson
THE SCENE: Over 350 Houston Symphony supporters, wine enthusiasts, and passionate collectors, decked in their finest spring black tie attire, flocked to Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts to celebrate the Houston Symphony Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction. Upon arrival, guests mingled while sipping champagne and admiring an array of outstanding wines, spirits, and experiences featured in the silent auction. Highly anticipated auction items included a three-night stay in Champagne, three bottles of 1983 Château Leoville-Las Cases ‘Gran Vin den Leoville’ Saint Julien, Bordeaux, and a special raffle, where guests could enter to win a case of Robert Parker-rated 100-point wine.
Dinner chimes rang as guests made their way to the elegantly transformed Jones Hall stage, designed by Taylor DeMartino Designs. The experience was inspired by a modern garden atmosphere, interpreted through layered textures, sculptural forms, and dramatic scale. Suspended elements and hanging installations brought the ceiling down, creating intimacy and depth while framing the room in a way that felt elevated and unexpected.
A starfield projection added a sense of wonder. On the tables, lush, fresh centerpieces glowed softly through candlelight and warm integrated lighting, creating a romantic, inviting ambiance.
THE VIBE: A special four-course culinary delight was prepared by Felipe Botero, Executive Chef of the popular restaurant Le Jardinier, located inside the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, paired with wine expertly chosen by John & Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods. The night’s feast kicked off with a vibrant French white asparagus dish, with allium emulsion, croutons, and Kaluga caviar.
Next, attendees basked in spring pea custard, sweet onion soubise, and morel & mushroom fricassee. The entree featured a roasted chicken au jus with artichoke fondant, black garlic coulis, and broccolini. The evening ended on a sweet note with a decadent citrus violin, topped with calamansi cream, strawberry mousse, and thyme crumble.
THE NON-PROFIT: The sold-out event, chaired by Janet F. Clark, raised over $900,000 for the Houston Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement initiatives that serve community members in schools, hospitals, and other venues throughout the city. The Wine Collector’s Auction Chair, Jack Matzer, was part of the event’s tremendous success.
How The Houston Symphony Turned Jones Hall Into A Garden-Inspired Culinary Escape…
Jones Hall Was Transformed Into A Modern Garden Wonderland
Taylor DeMartino Designs created an immersive atmosphere featuring suspended installations, glowing candlelight, lush floral centerpieces, and a dramatic starfield projection.
Guests Sipped Champagne While Exploring Rare Auction Lots
Attendees mingled before dinner while bidding on coveted wines, luxury experiences, and collector-worthy spirits packages.
A Champagne Getaway And Rare Bordeaux Drew Major Attention
Highly sought-after auction items included a three-night stay in Champagne and three bottles of 1983 Château Leoville-Las Cases Saint Julien Bordeaux.
A 100-Point Wine Raffle Added Excitement To The Evening
Guests eagerly entered for the chance to win a full case of Robert Parker-rated 100-point wine.
Chef Felipe Botero Delivered A Four-Course Culinary Experience
The Le Jardinier executive chef wowed guests with elevated dishes, including white asparagus with Kaluga caviar and roasted chicken au jus.
Each Course Was Expertly Paired With Exceptional Wines
Wine selections curated by John and Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec’s elevated the evening into a true collector’s experience.
The Gala Raised More Than $900,000 For The Houston Symphony
Proceeds from the sold-out evening will support the organization’s education and community engagement programs serving schools, hospitals, and communities across Houston.
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