2022 Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction

Wine Dinner Chairs Bob and Joan Duff

Wine Auction Chair Bob Weiner

Lindy Rydman and John Rydman, Board President

The 2022 Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction, expertly chaired by Joan and Bob Duff, returned to Jones Hall with the dinner on stage and the extensive collector’s auction throughout the grand lobby. The event raised $670,000 for the Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement initiatives. The evening began with a wine and champagne reception in the lobby, where guests explored the well-curated Collector’s Auction. This year’s auction selection was assembled by a committee chaired by Bob Weiner, a discerning and knowledgeable wine lover, who has served as chair of the auction since 2010. Thanks to Bob and the committee’s hard work and resourcefulness, guests bid on hundreds of rare and special wines, spirits, experiences, jewelry, and art. This record-breaking Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction was truly a special and unforgettable night. To secure tables and tickets to this season’s event, chaired by Bobbie Nau on April 21, 2023, please call or email Stacey Swift at 713.337.8523 or stacey.swift@houstonsymphony.org, or visit the special events page on our website.

Baker Botts has supported the Houston Symphony for more than 100 years and continues this support today, with a Baker Botts partner serving as the Symphony’s general counsel.

Baker Botts is an international law firm whose lawyers practice throughout a network of offices around the globe. Based on our experience and knowledge of our clients’ industries, we are recognized as a leading firm in the energy, technology, and life sciences sectors. Since 1840, we have provided creative and effective legal solutions for our clients while demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to excellence.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Violinist Gil Shaham Oct. 14

Pianist Emanuel Ax in recital

Violinist Christian Tetzlaff in a trio with Tanja Tetzlaff and

Jazz series featuring saxophonist Branford Marsalis, vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant and bassist

And many more outstanding chamber music and jazz musicians and ensembles.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR JURAJ VALčUHA

ROY AND LILLIE CULLEN CHAIR

Juraj Valčuha signing his contract with the Houston Symphony in Berlin in June 2021. “What I look forward to the most is the music. I am looking forward to making music with the orchestra, presenting great concerts, connecting with the audience. But, after this work, I will have the possibility to explore Houston. Of course, I need to go to the Space Center. I am very interested in the Menil Collection, and not only for the collection but also for the architecture by Renzo Piano. I have also heard so much about the food and restaurant scene. Soon I will have the opportunity to walk around, to see, to discover, to talk with people, and to learn more about this city.”

Juraj Valčuha’s globe-trotting Houston Symphony hat in Ravello, Italy. Former Houston Symphony Music Director Christoph Eschenbach and Music Director Juraj Valčuha pose for a photo in Ravello, Italy.

“My first appearance as a conductor was in Bratislava, and I was conducting a performance of a septet I composed. I took great pleasure in conducting my own music, but I discovered that when you have a short amount of time to prepare difficult music, the conductor is there to help and make the entire

performance a success.” Executive Director/CEO John Mangum and Juraj Valčuha enjoying a meal.

Thank you for joining us at Jones Hall for this concert featuring your Houston Symphony. Excitement is in the air as we welcome new Music Director Juraj Valčuha, Roy and Lillie Cullen Chair. His inaugural season explores great masterpieces from the classical cannon, new and rarely performed works, and dramatic works for voice and orchestra, all while spotlighting the virtuosity of our musicians. We also welcome back Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke to kickoff our Bank of America POPS Series with the much anticipated Cirque de la Symphonie program featuring thrilling acrobatics performed with our orchestra on stage.

programs possible. Ticket buyers, subscribers, donors, and volunteers are the lifeblood of our nonprofit organization. We depend on your support to bring the best live orchestral music to Houston throughout the year.

Scan the QR code for more information. You can also visit houstonsymphony.org/donate or call us at 713.337.8559 to learn more about how you can become involved.

Jones Hall – 615 Louisiana Street houstonsymphony.org