John Mangum with Chairs Bobbie Nau and Bob Weiner; Photo by Priscilla Dickson
2023 Symphony Wine Dinner and Collector's Auction; Photo by Priscilla Dickson
Wine at 2023 Symphony Wine Dinner and Collector's Auction; Photo by Priscilla Dickson
John Mangum with Chairs Bobbie Nau and Bob Weiner; Photo by Priscilla Dickson
Photography: Priscilla Dickson
The Celebration
On Friday, April 21, 2023, wine lovers and collectors and Houston Symphony supporters gathered at the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts for the Houston Symphony Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction. The annual event supports the organization’s education and community engagement initiatives serving community members in schools, hospitals, and other venues throughout the city. Bobbie Nau chaired the event and Bob Weiner chaired the wine auction.
The Story
The over 300 guests were greeted by the scent and flamboyance of gorgeous hydrangea and rose bouquets, arrangements, and centerpieces artfully arranged throughout the venue by The Events Company. Before dinner, they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, like pear roulade with chevre and beef tenderloin tartare on red endive, while perusing the curated wines and spirits up for bid in the silent auction. During dinner, participants partook of a multi-course meal featuring many delicacies prepared and served by City Kitchen Catering expertly paired with wines chosen by John and Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods.
The Moments
As well as taking part in the silent auction, attendees participated in an extraordinary raffle to win five bottles of Pappy Van Winkle legendary bourbon, which, on its own, raised $50,000.
The event raised over $1,120,000, making it the most successful fundraiser for the organization to date.
Sewell was the presenting sponsor.
Guests: John Mangum, Bobbie Nau, Bob Weiner, John and Lindy Rydman, Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Betty and Jesse Tutor, Carey Kirkpatrick, Janet Clark, Joan and Robert Duff, Cheryl Byington, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, Elia Gabbanelli, Julie Roberts, Bob Boblitt, Robert Sakowitz, Eric Brueggeman and Kathryn Bonesteel, and Cynthia Wolff.
About Houston Symphony
Founded in 1913, the Houston Symphony has played a central role in Houston’s cultural and civic life for more than 100 years and is now one of America's oldest performing arts organizations. Today, the Houston Symphony’s 87 musicians perform approximately 170 concerts annually, making it the largest performing arts organization in Houston. Its mission is to inspire and engage a large and diverse audience in Greater Houston and beyond through exceptional orchestral and non-orchestral performances, educational programs, and community activities.