Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1180194
36 VODKA WISHES & CAVIAR DREAMS SHELBY HODGE HUMS TCHAIKOVSKY. PHOTOGRAPHY JENNY ANTILL CLIFTON, WILSON PARISH. W ith the opening-night concert featuring an all-Russian program, what better way to celebrate the launch of the Houston Symphony season than with vodka shots and fine caviar. Après the Jones Hall concert, a clutch of symphony fans embarked for the Ballroom at Bayou Place, where the black-tie dinner/dance embraced a rich Imperial Russia theme — rose topiaries designed as mammoth Fabergé eggs, burgundy brocade tablecloths, and swaths of golden fabric, designed by The Events Company, with dinner catered by Jackson and Company. Pianist Yefim Bronfman and conductor Leonard Slatkin starred both on stage and at dinner, along with chairman Barbara Burger and co-chairs Kusum and K. Cody Patel. WHO: Janet Clark, representing corporate underwriter ConocoPhillips; Lindy and John Rydman and Lisa Rydman of Spec's Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods, which provided dinner libations; Mayor Sylvester Turner; Betty and Jess Tutor; Margaret Alkek Williams; Anne and Albert Chao; Catherine and Brian James; Joella and Steve Mach; Valerie and Tracy Dieterich; Dr. Courtney and Bill Toomey; and Tara and David Wuthrich. THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY CELEBRATES RUSSIA. Ian Mayton, chair Barbara Burger Andrew Pedersen, Brad Burke Julie & Michael Donaldson Paul Morico, Sushila Mathew Joella & Steve Mach Ann & Jonathan Ayre Reggie & Leigh Smith Betty & Jesse Tutor Frederick Lyons, Quyen Ho Shafik Rifaat & Shelby Hodge Eric Lindsey, Lisa Rydman Margaret Alkek Williams John Mangum Co-chairs Kusum & K. Cody Patel Janet Gurwitch, Ron Franklin Valerie & Tracy Dieterich Viviana & David Denechaud