Women’s Symphony League Luncheon Features Television Star Lisa Rinna
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Buster Jetter
Princess Avery deJong, Suzon Kemp and Diamond Queen Ireland Rose
THE SETTING: The Fairmont Hotel in Austin was recently the setting for an afternoon of celebrity, conversation, and beautiful fashions. Several hundred of the Capital City’s most notable sociables, fashionistas and philanthropists turned out for the annual Women’s Symphony League of Austin’s Fashion & Luncheon. The event kicked off a weekend full of festivities that culminated in the annual Jewel Ball the following evening.
Wroe Jackson and Lisa Rinna
THE STYLE: The luncheon-chic crowd commenced the festivities with cocktail in the foyer outside the venue’s ballroom. As guests sipped on bubbles and other spirits, they had the opportunity to pose with guest of honor Lisa Rinna on the step and repeat, many of whom shared their favorite stories of her during her three decades in the public eye.
Mary Ellen Borgelt
The festivities then moved into the ballroom for the main program, with opening remarks offered by Mary Ellen Borgelt, where guests dined and were then treated to a fun and lively conversation between moderator Wroe Jackson and Rinna, who held court with the audience highlighting her personal journey and sharing fun behind the scenes stories during her career.
Lisa Rinna with 2022 Jewel Ball Royal Court Princesses, Visiting Jewels and The Diamond Queen
The event was capped off with a fashion show sponsored by The Garden Room, led by Patty Hoffpauir. Rinna provided the perfect transition as she strutted down the runway herself in advance of the main fashion show, produced by Sue Webber of Webber Productions. The audience was wowed by the 75 stunning looks that went down the runway, with many guests staying long after the show to browse items at The Garden Room pop-up in the venue’s foyer, creating a full circle moment back to where this magical afternoon began.
Janet Hooten, Jennifer Hooten McCracken, Princess Vivi McCracken, Princess Caroline Hooten, Stephanie Hooten and Linda Lacy
THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Melissa Billman and Ashley Nwonuma Olds, with Mary Ellen Borgelt serving as honorary chair, raised funds for the Women’s Symphony League of Austin. The organization, which provides financial support for Austin Symphony Orchestra’s educational programs, benefit over 65,000 Central Texas children each year.
Michelle Lupton, Katie Kaighin and Stephanie Stowell
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography courtesy of Austin Symphony Orchestra
Natasha Drena performs
You’re in for a treat. The Sarah & Ernest Butler Pops Series presents the champagne chanteuse Natasha Drena on vocals, with Peter Bay conductor conducting the lush sounds of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, this Saturday. October 1.
We all know that with a career spanning 45 years, Judy Garland was in the hearts and homes of millions of people. She was featured in numerous musicals and movies, as well as theater and television shows.
Now, Drena and the Austin Symphony Orchestra will re-create Judy Garland’s iconic 1961 Carnegie Hall performance on Saturday, October 1. This concert appearance, on the night of Sunday April 23, 1961, has been called the greatest night in show business history.
The best news? Natasha Drena and the ASO will be performing the same charts as Judy did that magical day! You don’t want to miss this one night only event to hear some of your favorite Garland songs including, “Over the Rainbow,” You Made Me Love You,” “Stormy Weather,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” “When You’re Smiling,” and more.
Run, don’t walk to get your tickets now for October 1 at My.AustinSymphony.org. Use promo code 1936.
Austin Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Peter Bay’s Silver Anniversary
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Randy and Jackie Smith Photography
Isabel Welland, Peter Bay and Linda van Bavel
THE SETTING: The Junior League of Austin’s new event space was the recent setting celebrating a milestone of one of the Capital City’s most beloved cultural leaders. Several hundred of Austin’s most notable sociables and philanthropists turned out to celebrate Maestro Peter Bay’s 25th anniversary leading the Austin Symphony Orchestra. In the process, patrons were treated to an unforgettable evening of fun, tributes and performances those on hand will not soon forget
Cliff and Linda Mountain & Peter Bay Mela Sarajane Dailey
THE STYLE: The Austin-chic crowd began the evening in the foyer of the Junior League for a cocktail hour. Upon arrival, partygoers were able to pose for photos on the step and repeat with the guest of honor and offer their heartfelt congratulations. Afterword, guests mingled about with the conversation flowing as freely as the spirits. The cocktail hour concluded with Mela Sarajane Dailey, Peter Bay’s wife, performing a showstopping rendition of the classic song, At Last.
Ben Bentzin, Peter Bay and Dalya Sachs
The festivities then headed to the ballroom for the main program. As guests dined on delicious multi-course meals, they were treated to a dazzling array of musical performances and tributes as well as a special sneak preview of the upcoming 2022-2023 season. Performances included a set by the McCallum High School String Orchestra as well as the guest of honor, Peter Bay leading a concert with the Austin Symphony Orchestra for all to enjoy. The evening was capped off with a special presentation by the event’s co-chairs, who provided Peter Bay with a personal, customized book highlighting his life, experiences and accomplishments.
Austin Symphony Orchestra performs
THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Isabel Welland and Linda van Bavel, raised over $576,000 for the Austin Symphony Orchestra. In fact, $200,000 of that total, which was raised during the “paddles up” portion of the event, goes to funding Peter Bay’s new and exciting initiatives.
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography provided by Austin Symphony Orchestra
Through its characteristic creativity and tremendous cultural presence in the city, the Austin Symphony Orchestra continues to deliver their full year of music and musical education even while we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. But, to do so requires the support of the community, and you. How great is that?
ASO’s Peter Bay
So, why not join the Symphony for a virtual concert, Rule of Three, preceded by the launch of their special Play On program where you’ll also learn about their commitment to keep symphonic music alive and accessible to a broader audience than ever before.
