Houston’s Dance Stars Turn This Gala Into a Stirring Show
The Mighty Power of Young Musicians
By Shelby Hodge //
Photography Fulton Davenport/PWL Studio
Houston’s diverse world of dance talents took center stage at the Virtuosi of Houston “Music in Motion” gala, which filled the ballroom of the spanking new InterContinental Hotel—Medical Center with a wondrous program that spotlighted a multitude of gifted performers.
With the mightily talented youthful musicians of Virtuosi performing on stage, three dance troupes took the spotlight in honor of their leadership. On the heels of an achingly beautiful white swan pas de deux from Swan Lake performed by Houston Ballet studio participants, artistic director and gala honoree Stanton Welch was welcomed to the stage by gala chair and Virtuosi executive director Patti Murphy and emcees Peter Remington and Linda Lorelle.
A stirring, athletic performance by METdance set the stage for honoring founder and executive director Michelle Smith and the Barcarolle/Radio GaGa presentation by Hope Stone dancers concluded with founder and director Jane Weiner accepting her honors. The latter was a seductive mixture of the Tales of Hoffman “Barcarolle,” sung by the equally talented Houston Boychoir, and the contempo Radio GaGa beat.
With each performance, Virtuosi musicians, under direction of conductors Franz Krager and Andzrej Grabiec, proved their skill and versatility. Following the live auction, the musicians offered dance tunes for the black-tie crowd of more than 325 guests.
Joining the party as honorary chairs were long-time Virtuosi supporter Monzer Hourani and real estate phenom Carmina Zamorano, accompanied by her three charming daughters — Macarena, Carmina and Natalia Chavez-Zamorano.
PC Seen: Don Murphy, Mary Alice and Michael Parmett, Dianna and David Voll, Dr. Roland Mandonado, Beth Muecke, Kelli Fondren, Scott Thompson, Kari and Mark Parsons, Bill King, Karen DeGeurin, Tony Bradfield, Shirley and Jim Dannenbaum, April and Dr. Jorge Salazar, Ken Christie, Barbara Van Postman, Caroline and Gary Kenney, Marisol Quijano and Sean Buckley.
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