The Celebration

Guests gathered at the Esperson for a lovely kick-off event hosted by Jano Nixon Kelly for the upcoming A Mid-Winter Night’s Dream Gala. The gala, which will honor Dr. Sippi Khurana and be chaired by Stephanie von Stein and Dr. Mark A. Schusterman, will be held on February 23, 2019 at the luxurious Hotel Alessandra. The sumptuous evening will begin with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to be followed by a musical performance featuring mezzo-soprano Cecilia Duarte, lutenist Arash Noori, and percussionist Jesús Pacheco. The wintry themed dinner will be served by the Alessandra’s Lucienne restaurant. An upbeat after-party, where guests can dance the night away, will end the evening. Proceeds of the gala will benefit the 2020/21 Ars Lyrica Houston production of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and the biennial productions of Baroque opera in Houston.

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The Story

Upon their arrival in the Niels Lobby, attendees were enchanted by costumed nymphs leading the way down a rose-petal-strewn path as the ethereal tones of Joanna Whitsett’s harp filled the air. Continuing to the 25th floor, guests enjoyed themed drinks, sparkling wine accented with edible flowers, and select bites while chatting and listening to music provided by DJ David Rojas.

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The Moments

Perfect weather allowed for strolling on the patio and viewing the shimmering Houston skyline.

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Guests: Stephanie von Stein and Dr. Mark A. Schusterman, Dr. Sippi Khurana and Ajay Khurana, Mary Ann and David McKeithan, Julie and John Cogan, John Mangum, Dougal and Cathy Cameron, Jano and John Kelley, Beth Wolff, Irma Brindis, Connie Kwan-Wong, Teresa Reading, Diana Collins, Katya Dow, Epitacio Resendez and Hunter Henke, Anna Dean, and Cheryl Byington.

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About Ars Lyrica Houston

Founded in 1998 by harpsichordist and conductor Matthew Dirst, Ars Lyrica Houston (ALH) presents a diverse array of music from the 17th and 18th centuries on period instruments. Its local subscription series, according to the Houston Chronicle, “sets the agenda” for early music in Houston. The company also appears regularly at major festivals and conferences. ALH’s distinctive programming favors Baroque dramatic and chamber works, and its pioneering efforts have won international acclaim.