It was a brilliant idea to honor a select group of mothers and daughters at the Virtuosi of Houston gala, held the night before Mother's Day. Not only did the synergy between the nurturing of up and coming musicians and the rearing of family make for a beautiful evening at the Royal Sonesta Hotel but it also brought in a new audience for the non-profit.
Fourteen of H-Town's most sophisticated ladies and their daughters shared the spotlight with the 53 talented members of the youth orchestra, whose musical presentations would have challenged any professional group. Applause, applause for artistic directors and conductors Andrzej Grabiec and Franz Anton Krager.
Long-time Virtuosi supporters Zarine and Meherwan Boyce chaired the black-tie dinner concert that saluted Margaret Alkek Williams and Monzer Hourani as honorary chairs. They tapped KPRC Channel 2 news anchor Dominique Sachse and Houston magazine publisher Peter Remington to serve as emcees.
Mothers honored with their daughters were Gina Bhatia, Marie Bosarge, Mary D'Andrea, Patricia Dewhurst, Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein, Joyce Echols, Danielle Ellis, Page Parkes Eveleth, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Catherine Kaldis, Susan Krohn, Susana Brener de Stern, Helen Shaffer and Donna Vallone.
An interesting aside on the night — the ballroom was decorated in shades of lavender, floral decor in the talented hands of Nino Shbeeb. Orchids featured on the invitation inspired many of the women to dress in the radiant orchid color including Margaret Alkek Williams, whose gown was specially made for her in Italy.
Applauding the students musical talents were Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, Mayor Annise Parker and Kathy Hubbard, Nathalie and Jean-Francois Bonneté, Franco Valobra, Sallymoon Benz and Dr. Alan Bentz, George Murray, Marianne and Bob Ivany, Ann and Dr. John Mendelsohn, Tara and David Wuthrich and Nick Florescu.
Andrzej Grabiec, from left, Julia Engel and Franz Anton Krager.
