Real Estate Giant’s Striking Lobby Serves as Perfect Setting for Chamber Choir’s Kickoff

What: Houston Chamber Choir 23rd Season Kickoff Party

Where: Greenwood King Properties headquarters

PC Moment: More than 85 guests flooded the Greenwood King Properties’ striking lobby space on Upper Kirby for the celebratory evening dubbed “Art & Soul.” Wine, beer, and a Local Foods’ catered spread provided sustenance thanks to Greenwood King associates Nancy Younger Kruka, a longtime Houston Chamber Choir supporter, and Elaine Ellender.

Choir managing director Mariam Khalili and artistic director Robert Simpson welcomed the clutch of music lovers and announced the new season kicking off on September 29th with “This Is Why I Sing.” Guests were treated with a sneak preview with a special performance by soprano Kelli Lawless, who sang a French allegory by composer Henri Duparc, titled “Extase,” accompanied by Andreea Muţ on the keyboard.

Following, Simpson led the choir in the second performance of a Russian pieced titled “Unknown Lady,” baritone Rameen Chaharbaghi then captivated the audience with “Chanson Romanesque,” from the cycle Don Quichotte a Dulcinee by Maurice Ravel. Concluding the eventful soirée, “Blue Skies” was performed as the finale, an admired piece within the Choir and a theme reflected by Simpson in respect to the bright present and future of the organization he founded in 1995.

Who: Houston Chamber Choir president William McKenzie, Drs. Rachel and Warren Ellsworth IV, Rick Kellogg, Jack Byrom, Frank Hood, Marianna Parnas Simpson, Grace Roman, Mariquita Masterson, Judy and Tom Cronin, Martha Palmer, Kathy and Andre Jackson, Eliza Nicholson, Mary and John Arnesdorf, Nancy and Carter Hixon, Judy and Harry Bristol,  Veet Kruka, Pat Hardesty, Raphaële Malandain, Charlotte Jones, Cindy and David Lestage.