An Evening Of Dance Performances Supports Virtuosi Of Houston

By Jen Roosth          Photography by Fulton Davenport

THE SETTING: Virtuosi of Houston recently celebrated the social season with its annual gala, Music in Motion, in the InterContinental Hotel’s Grand Ballroom. The evening began with the cocktail hour, a wine pull, silent auction, plus guests enjoyed viewing a live painting by Taft McWhorter.

 THE STYLE: The evening of world-class music and fine cuisine shined the spotlight on the arts by honoring Michelle Smith, founder and executive director, METdance, Jane Weiner, founder and director of Hope Stone Dance, and Stanton Welch, artistic director of the Houston Ballet. The slate of musical performances was White Swan Pax de Duex performed by artists from Houston Ballet II Academy, Aheym performed by METdance, and Barcarolle/Radio Ga Ga performed by Hope Stone Dancers and Houston Boychoir. All the dancers were accompanied by the Virtuosi of Houston Orchestra under the direction by Franz Krager and Andzrej Grabiec, its founding and artistic directors.

 The event’s spirited live auction offered a Game of Thrones journey with a six-night stay in Dublin, a private estate experience for 10 at Churchill Downs, a sunset cruise on a luxury yacht for 14, a sailing experience on an America’s Cup Yacht for two, a Chopard diamond pendant and earring set, a Rome VIP Experience for two, and a George Strait signed guitar.

 THE PURPOSE: The gala event was chaired by Patti Murphy and Monzer Hourani, with Carmina Zamorano serving as honorary chairs. The mission of Virtuosi Houston is providing a means for a unique group of young and musically gifted artists to expand their abilities through exposure to world-class conductors and challenging musical pieces.