FEBRUARY 27, 2026
7:00 PM
Cocktails & Silent Auction 8:00 PM
Welcome & Introduction
Brian Ritter, Executive Director
Marissa & Shane Gilroy, Gala Chairs
Steve Barth, Board President 9:30 PM
Performance
Antoine Plante, Artistic Director 10:00 PM
Live Auction
Paddle Call
Johnny Bravo, Auctioneer 10:30 PM
Dancing With DJ Mav 11:00 PM
Silent Auction Closes & Raffle Drawing
Marissa & Shane
BOARD PRESIDENT
Steve Barth
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Antoine Plante
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Brian Ritter
Mercury has established itself as the leading chamber orchestra in Houston, reaching thousands across the community and garnering critical acclaim around the world. Through its innovative and accessible performances, domestic and international tours, and award-winning music education programs, Mercury has redefined the role of music in the Houston community. Mercury’s mission is to serve the community by celebrating the power of music, Baroque and beyond, through teaching, sharing, and performing with passion, intimacy, and excellence.
Texas Greens
Watercress, Baby Mixed Greens, Pea Sprouts, Orange Segments, Dried Currants, Macadamia Nuts with Champagne Vinaigrette
Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Demi Glaze
Comte Gratin Dauphinoise and Roasted Broccolini
Ricotta & Pistachio Cake
Decadent Vegan Chocolate Cake
Gourmet Coffee
MERCURY CHAMBER ORCHESTRA presents:
THEME & VARIATIONS
Arranged and conducted by Antoine Plante
VIOLIN I
Jonathan Godfrey, Concertmaster
Anabel Ramírez, Asst. Concertmaster
Kana Kimura
Emily Richardson
VIOLIN II
Oleg Sulyga, Principal
Andrés González
Matt Lammers
Maria Lin
VIOLA
Matthew Carrington, Principal
Molly Wise
CELLO
Joy Yanai, Principal
Kristiana Ignatjeva
VIOLONE
Deborah Dunham, Principal
HARPSICHORD
Emily Amos, Principal
PERCUSSION
Jesús Pacheco, Principal
Value: $14,900
A pair of 18K white gold diamond drop earrings featuring three pavé links, showcasing a total of 4.28 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds
Single Raffle Ticket: $100 Bundle of Six Raffle Tickets: $500
June & Steve Barth
ConocoPhillips
de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry
Cris & Bill Jonson
Spotlight Energy, LLC
Marsha & Michael Bourque
Marissa & Shane Gilroy
Lori Muratta & Antoine Plante
Kenny & Gaby Owen
Luis Perez Vera
Caliche Energy Solutions LLC
Adam & Michelle Cornelius
Mindy & Josh Davidson
Meghan & Kevin Downs
Sofia & Tyler Durham
Blake & Martha Eskew | Keith & Julie Little
Marcia & Tom Faschingbauer | Carolynne & Douglas White
Debra & Mark Gregg
Virginia Hart & Robert Navo
Haynes Boone
Lloyd Kirchner & Amy Waldorf
DM Marcinek
Melissa Patin
Porter Hedges LLP
GALA PREVIEW PARTY SPONSOR
Enjoy the wide-open spaces of the Canadian wilderness with a 7-day stay at the stunning vacation home of Maestro Antoine Plante and Lori Muratta on L’Île Verte, a small island in the St. Lawrence River.
Hike, bike, and relax on the island as you enjoy wildflowers, the sea air, the sounds of the waves. Spend an afternoon spotting whales, seals and seabirds as you visit one of the “best beaches in Quebec,” (Reader’s Digest). Enjoy local food like smoked salmon and wild chanterelles as you picnic at the oldest lighthouse on the St. Lawrence. Witness some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the world. The house also provides close access to Quebec, Montreal, and lle d’Orleans.
• The home has 4 bedrooms (1 queen, 2 doubles, 4 singles), a well-equipped kitchen, and movie theater room.
• Available Available for a mutually agreed up on date sometime between May 1 - June 11, 2026 or August 27-October 31, 2026.
• Airfare and other transportation not included.
Experience the home of human space exploration with an unforgettable, behind-the-scenes journey for six at NASA Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston.
Travel by private vehicle to rarely seen areas including historic Apollo Mission Control and the Astronaut Training Facility, accompanied by a special guest astronaut sharing insider stories and insights. The evening also features a three-course dining experience by Wolfgang Puck’s Executive Chef, exclusive memorabilia, and full access to nearly 400 fascinating artifacts and exhibits — an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into the past, present, and future of space exploration. Perfect for family, friends, or corporate groups.
Tour locations and astronaut guides are subject to change based on safety regulations and astronaut training schedules. Tour dates must be submitted via email at least 30 days in advance. Cancellations must be made two weeks prior to the date of the visit. Guests must be age 14 or older.
Breathtaking views from a lush jungle oasis await guests at Casa Angelina’s private retreat overlooking the Sierra Madre del Sur coastal mountain range. From sunbathing at the infinity-edge pool beneath wild parrots, to midnight stargazing on the terrace, each space offers a moment to find calm and escape distraction. Indulge in Pacific views, private plunge pools and priceless original art. Enrique Zozaya designed estate boasts six intimately situated suites for 14 guests across four levels above Zihuatanejo’s famous Playa la Ropa beach, offering the most idyllic setting and favorable location to find your rhythm. From white-sand beaches to sailing, deep sea fishing, and baby turtles releases, there’s always something to discover.
• One (1) Private Seven-Night Vacation Rental of Casa Angelina in Zihuatanejo, Mexico for a maximum of 14 guests in six suites.
• Package includes Daily Housekeeping, Daily Cooked Breakfast, Daily On-Site Manager, and Complimentary Wi-Fi.
• The package may be redeemed between May 15 and September 30 of 2026 or 2027, pending availability.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Imagine standing on the podium with your baton raised, prepared to lead a performance by Mercury. Your dream can become reality if you are the highest bidder! The lucky winner will conduct the orchestra for one selection at Mercury’s Miller Outdoor Theatre concert on Saturday, September 5, 2026, 8:00 PM. Spend two hours with the Maestro Antoine Plante learning the techniques and challenges of leading an ensemble of diverse musicians and then put those skills to the test at Mercury’s first concert of the season. Learn leadership and team-building skills through the art of conducting in a oneof-a-kind setting under the direct tutelage of the Maestro!
• At a mutually convenient time, you will meet Maestro Plante to discuss the repertoire.
• 10 covered seats will be reserved for you at Miller Outdoor Theatre (covered seating is air-conditioned!)
• You will receive a Conductor’s Baton to use and keep as a memento.
The Accessory Place
Alliance Francaise de Houston
Al’s Handmade Boots
Alley Thaeatre
Apollo Chamber Players
Archway Gallery
Ars Lyrica Houston
Asia Society Texas
Axelrad Beer Garden
Ballard Designs
Steve Barth
Bayou City Arts Festival
Birraporetti’s
Black Swan Yoga
David Blanchard
Casa Angelina Mexico
Arely Castillo
Children’s Museum Houston
Christopher Michael Hair Studio Crow and Company
DACAMERA
Mindy & Josh Davidson
Domaine Messier
Dominey Scott Designs
Fairytale Photography Studio
Fleet Feet Houston
Fondren Library at Rice University
Michelle Furcho | Change & Rearrange
The Goff Financial Group
Andrés González
Hai Hospitality
Hamilton Shirts
Hermann Park Conservancy
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Houston Ballet
Houston Botanic Garden
Houston Cinema Arts Society
Houston Grand Opera
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston Symphony
Houston Zoo
J. McLaughlin River Oaks
Jesús Pacheco
Kendra Scott
Robert Kohen
Lexis Florist
Matthew Lammers
Julie & Keith Little
Lombardi Family Concepts
Lucho
Christy Lynn
Maida’s Belts and Buckles
Main Street Theater
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Nice Winery
Opera Leggera
McKay Otto & Heidi Vaughan Fine Art
Kenny Owen
Jeremy Parzen/Martha & Blake Eskew
Performing Arts Houston
Isabelle Perreau
Antoine Plane & Lori Muratta
Prelude Music Classes for Children
Anabel Ramírez
River Oaks Theatre
ROCO
ROMA
Santa Fe Opera
Shepherd School of Music
Space Center Houston STAGES
Oleg Sulyga
Taste of Texas Restaurant
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Tootsies
Total Wine & More
Stephen Wallace
Westwood Golf Club
Thompson Hotel
Emily Capriotti
Matthew Guilliams
Andrés González
Claire Plante
Simone Plante
William Plante
Sue Pritchett
Sarah Salehian Tyler Starkel
Sandra Stettler
Romina Sumpter
Justine Townsend
Auction & Event Solutions
BEND Productions LLC
DJ Mav Music
Graphic Design by Melanie O’Neill & Melissa Taylor
Jacob Power Photography
Johnny Bravo Entertainment
Mittera Printing
Pinnacle Live
Swift + Company
Thompson Houston, by Hyatt
Steve Barth, President
Keith Little, Treasurer
Rebecca Fieler, Secretary
Blake Eskew,
Immediate Past President
Marsha Bourque
Mindy Davidson
Kevin Downs
Sofia Durham
Marcia Faschingbauer
Shane Gilroy
Ginny Hart
Kirsten Jensen
Lloyd Kirchner
Forrest Lumpkin
Rose Ann Medlin
Kenny Owen
James E. Smith
Ana Treviño-Godfrey
Ralf van der Ven
Stephen Wallace
Lynn Wyatt, Special Advisor
mercury administration
Brian Ritter, Executive Director
Brittany Schroeder, Marketing & Revenue Manager
Nicholas Gerling, Audience Experience Manager
Katie DeVore, Operations Manager
Andrés González, Education Manager
Matthew Carrington, Personnel Manager & Librarian
Chloe Bruns, Gala Coordinator
Sectorlab LLC, Marketing Consultant
Tyler Starkel, YPTC Accountant
Dawn Blitz Consulting, Campaign Consultant
