What: Virtuosi of Houston’s annual gala, "Music in Motion"
Where: The InterContinental Hotel — Medical Center
The scoop: More than 325 guests attended Virtuosi of Houston’s Annual Gala, "Music in Motion" in the Grand Ballroom of the new InterContinental Hotel. The evening was chaired by Patti Murphy; Monzer Hourani and Carmina Zamorano served as honorary chairmen. Guest enjoyed cocktails, a wine pull, silent auction, and watched a live painting by Taft McWhorter. Peter Remington and Linda Lorelle served as elegant and festive emcees.
The gala boasted fine dining and, true to the mission statement, world-class music. The event honored Michelle Smith, founder and executive director of METdance; Jane Weiner, founder and director of Hope Stone Dance; and Stanton Welch, artistic director of the Houston Ballet. Artists from Houston Ballet II Academy performed White Swan Pax de Duex, while METdance and Barcarolle performed Aheym. Hope Stone Dancers with the Houston Boychoir performed Radio Ga Ga. The dancers were accompanied by the Virtuosi of Houston Orchestra, under the direction of founding and artistic directors Franz Krager and Andzrej Grabiec.
The event raised more than $400,000, thanks to a live auction featuring a "Game of Thrones Journey" including a six-night stay in Dublin. Other prizes included a private estate experience for 10 at Churchill Downs; a sunset cruise on a luxury yacht for 14; a sailing experience on an America’s Cup yacht; a Chopard diamond pendant and earring set; a Rome VIP experience; and a guitar signed by country music's king, George Strait.
Who: David and Dianna Voll celebrated their 50th anniversary at the gala — along with numerous friends. Other guests attending included Elina Htun, Ken Christie, Barbara Van Postman, James and Shirley Dannenbaum, Tony Bradfield and Kevin Black, Dr. Jorge and April Salazar, Sean Buckley and Marisol Quijano, Dale and Tommie Merriman, Karen DeGeurin, Sara and James Parr, Staci Voll, Bill King, and Terri Alani.
Beth Muecke, Jaquel Charlesworth, and Nicole Lassiter.
