Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1516370
VIENNA FÊTE IMPÉRIALE SHINES WITH HAPSBURG SPLENDOR T here's something about white tie attire that instantly elevates an evening. So it was that the Houston Symphony ball enjoyed unprecedented exuberance as gentlemen in formal attire and women in elegant ball gowns swanned through the Post Oak Hotel ballroom. The stage for Viennese-inspired splendor was set by Richard Flowers and The Events Company, which created a gilded decor that recalled Vienna's Imperial Palace. Chairs Tammie and Dr. Charles Johnson and Drs. Alice Mao Brams and Matt Brams had several in-theme surprises for guests including a dance troupe that launched the gala by waltzing across the dance floor to Johann Strauss' "Beautiful Blue Danube." The honorees — Brigitte and Bashar Kalai, Dr. Sippi Khurana, and Betty and Jesse Tutor — were introduced by the Alley Theatre's Chris Hutchinson, costumed as a member of the Hapsburg court. Before Q The Band took the stage, a dancing duo took a romantic spin around the floor. The evening enriched symphony coffers by $1 million, the funds dedicated to education and community outreach programs. PC Seen: Houston Symphony CEO and executive director John Mangum and wife Regina, Margaret Alkek Williams, Lindy and John Rydman, Ajay Khurana, Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, Joanne King Herring, C.C. and Duke Ensell, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Mary Lynn and Steve Marks, Lilly and Thurmon Andress, Paula and Reggie DesRoches, Bill Stubbs and Kurt Grether, and Elia Gabbanelli. By Shelby Hodge. Photography Priscilla Dickson, Daniel Ortiz. HOUSTON SYMPHONY'S Bill Baldwin Fady Armanious Co-chairs Drs. Matt & Alice Mao Brams Honorees Betty & Jesse Tutor Honoree Dr. Sippi Khurana & Ajay Khurana Honorees Brigitte & Bashar Kalai Ann & Jonathan Ayre Bill Stubbs Joanne King Herring Kurt Grether Co-chairs Tammie & Dr. Charles Johnson Susan Sarofim Dr. Steven Hamilton Margaret Alkek Williams John Mangum