San Antonio Symphony League Hosts Princess Grace-Inspired Gala

By Jake Gaines          Photography by Oh Tannenbaum Photography and Overstreet Photography

THE SETTING: The San Antonio Symphony League recently celebrated its 51^st annual Symphony Ball with the theme, Le Bal de la Rose, inspired by the annual Monaco fête created by Princess Grace in 1954. The League presented this year’s class of elegant Symphony Belles at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa amongst a ballroom full of lush floral arrangements with pink and white roses reminiscent of times past.

THE STYLE: In keeping with tradition, the Belles donned white gowns as they were presented to their guests by their fathers, brothers, and grandfathers. Following the formal presentation, partygoers enjoyed a scrumptious meal and then danced the night away making memories to last a lifetime. The floral décor was provided through a partnership between Danny Cuellar of Trinity Flowers and William Garza of Uptown Floral. The resplendent display of magenta, pink, coral, and white roses with white hydrangeas adorned with lighter purple flowers, created an evening as if in an old-world European garden. Guests enjoyed the evening’s fête with a performance by the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio during the cocktail hour, a special performance by Agarita during the program, and after-dinner dancing to the sounds of the band, Finding Friday.

THE PURPOSE: Katie Kinder DeBauche and Dan DeBauche, the 2022 Symphony Ball chairs, created an evening to remember for each Belle and her family. DeBauche was a former Symphony Belle and remembers her time fondly. For nearly half a century, the San Antonio Symphony League has proudly presented at a formal ball young ladies who are the children and grandchildren of League members. During all four years of high school, Belles earn volunteer service hours through various League events. One hundred percent of the annual contributions made to the Belle Program are in turn donated to the San Antonio Symphony League to support classical music and music education programs in the city. Although the Symphony itself has recently closed, the Symphony League’s Belle program will contribute $100,000 this year to the Musicians of the San Antonio Symphony (MOSAS) for their community concerts.