A Magical Musical Morning Takes Over River Oaks Country Club

For once the kiddos were invited to get their hands, and even their lips, well maybe not their lips, on the merchandise at the Houston Symphony Instrument Petting Zoo, a highlight of the symphony’s annual Magical Musical Morning.

It’s a festive annual gathering at River Oaks Country Club that on this Sunday found more than 250 parents and children feasting not only on family-friendly brunch fare but also on tunes from members of the Houston Symphony Community-Embedded Musicians.

Leading the musical charge was chair Dr. Ishwaria Subbiah with her family in tow — husband Dr. Vivek Subbiah and their children, Ari and Sasha. Spotlighted as honorary family were Viviana and David Denechaud and their children — Daniel, Charles and Jack.

While music was the centerpiece of the morning, there were plenty of other activities for the youngsters including a balloon artist, a photo booth, a caricature artist and photos with Santa. The creative activities came courtesy of City Artworks and Betty and Jesse Tutor.

The event raised $56,000 for the symphony’s education and community engagement programming.

PC Seen: Houston Symphony executive director and CEO John Mangum, Jennifer and Josh Gravenor, Lindley Arnoldy, Valerie and Tracy Dieterich, Connie Kwan-Wong, Lilly Andress, Stephanie Von Stein, Rachel Ellsworth, Mary Lynn Marks, Diane Gendel, Kusum and Cody Patel, Judy and Henry Jackson, Katherine and Jonathan Palmer, Mady Kades, Sybil Roos, Betsy Garlinger, Molly and James Hays, and Caroline and William Ruez.