The Houston Symphony opened its 2025–26 Classical Season with a flourish worthy of its muse, The Firebird, reworking Jones Corridor and Corinthian Houston into an homage to Stravinsky’s legendary milieu of Slavic lore.
That included a large chook as visitors promenaded into the corridor, which, after all, was the backdrop for a lot of trendy poses and selfies. As a result of why not.
Greater than 300 visitors in black tie — and a notable quantity nodding to the theme in pink robes, feathered particulars, and fiery thrives — had been prepped for a night that felt equal components artwork and welcome again to Houston’s musical season.
Chaired by CKP CEO and founder Carey Kirkpatrick, who floated by means of the night in a crimson Oscar de la Renta, the occasion celebrated each the music and the second. In her welcome handle, she mirrored on the magic of dwell efficiency and the intimacy of experiencing it amongst expensive mates, noting how particular it’s to be a part of one thing that solely exists in that instantaneous. (Full disclosure: The writer is an government of CKP.)
Inside Jones Corridor, the orchestra — led by Juraj Valčuha, music director and Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair — carried out with cinematic intent and painterly precision. The Firebird soared, stuffed with nuance, storytelling, and virtuosic taking part in. Valčuha’s reward for drawing colours from the orchestra left Houstonians reveling in satisfaction — and left anybody exterior town with severe FOMO.
This system, that includes Grammy-winning soprano Angel Blue, the Houston Symphony Refrain, and the Houston Chamber Choir, was a masterwork of grandeur and beauty, and included Florent Schmitt’s epic Psalm 47. Government director and CEO Gary Ginstling introduced that Juraj Valčuha will proceed to guide the orchestra together with his inspiring artistry by means of the 2027–28 Season.
After the ultimate be aware, visitors had been whisked to Corinthian, the place The Occasions Firm had conjured an environment as radiant because the ballet’s fabled creature. Glowing chandeliers illuminated fiery florals — bi-color carnations, pincushion protea, and bromeliad pink paloma amongst them — on linens in molten shades of crimson and gold.
Dinner by Metropolis Kitchen continued the indulgence: Chilled white gazpacho with poached shrimp and basil oil, tender quick rib with garanacha-sofrito sauce, and a darkish chocolate torte capped with cherry compote and honey whipped goat cheese. Wine pairings by Lindy and John Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Meals ensured no glass went unfilled.
The gala raised greater than $550,000 to help the Symphony’s acclaimed Schooling and Neighborhood Engagement initiatives, thanks partially to ConocoPhillips serving because the live performance sponsor and lead gala company underwriter for the fortieth consecutive yr.
CultureMap seen had been Marta Lederer, Margaret Alkek Williams, Barbara and Pat McCelvey, Mariglyn and Stephen Glenn, Janet F. Clark, Barbara J. Burger, Jesse Tutor, Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Betsy and Fredric Weber, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, David Peavy and Stephen McCauley, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Scott and Geraldina Smart, Tammie and Charles Johnson, Justice Brett and Erin Busby, Ken and Mady Kades, Leslie Siller, Farida Abjani, Rini and Edward Ziegler, Khoa and Quyng Dao, Alice Mao Brams and Matt Brams, Neil Hershey, Liliya and Matt Kades, Claudia de Vasco and Gabriel Olson, Sally Anne Schmidt and Marc Tabolsky, Amada Woodall, and Nicole and Joey Romano.
