Brad Cavanaugh

Conversation with an ICON

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Gina Gaston and Linda Lorelle

The Houston Symphony League hosted its annual Conversation with an Icon Luncheon on April 29, 2026, at the Omni Hotel, bringing together community leaders, supporters, and music enthusiasts for an inspiring afternoon celebrating the power of the arts. The event was co-chaired by Blanca Jolly and Saula Valente.

Centered around the theme The Impact of Music, the luncheon featured a captivating conversation between the 2026 Icon, Gina Gaston, and moderator Linda Lorelle. Gina has created 12 specials on the Houston Symphony over a 13-year partnership with the Symphony and so many more support efforts! Gina highlighted the Houston Symphony’s far-reaching Education and Community Engagement initiatives, which continue to transform lives across Greater Houston through music and arts education.

A meaningful addition to this year’s event was the Children’s Music Book Drive led by the Houston Symphony League and the Young Associates Council. Donations will benefit the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Trailblazer Committee ROPES Program, and the Houston Symphony, all of which had representatives to receive ceremonial books at the event.

Custom music-themed art pieces partially donated by Sneha Merchant were given to Gina Gaston, Kim Nordt-Jackson – the producer for KTRK, and Linda Lorelle as a thank you. The phrase Music Inspires, Teaches, Heals which is from the TV Segment Playing it Forward that Kim Nordt-Jackson created, was included on the art. Kim Nordt-Jackson said she was incredibly honored. KTRK created a custom video just for the Icon event and the mp4 file can be downloaded here.

The table settings included floral arrangements in soft lavender tones, which evoked a spring garden captured within a glass globe, like a scene framed in a window. Completing the table setting, a delicate cookie, shaped as a lavender dress similar to what was shown by the Carolina Herrera fashions, rested inside a box, as though tucked within a wardrobe. The elegant and fresh spring atmosphere perfectly echoed the spirit of the 2026 Spring collection by Carolina Herrera on the runway.

Tracie Welch-Brenton

Where Fashion Meets Philanthropy: 2025 Conversations with an ICON

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The Houston Symphony League proudly hosted its 5th Annual Conversations with an ICON Luncheon on Wednesday, March 26, at the Houston Country Club. This year’s event, honored the renowned Saks Fifth Avenue, a valued partner and long-time supporter of the Houston Symphony League, reminiscent of the wildly successful annual Maestro Luncheon & Fashion Show of the 90’s.  

The event featured Heidi Turney, Vice President and General Manager of Saks Fifth Avenue, Houston. Guests enjoyed an engaging conversation between Ms. Turney and acclaimed journalist Shelby Hodge, who was also honored as the League’s Icon in 2023. The conversation was followed by an impressive Spring fashion show, orchestrated by expert stylist, Jeanne Ruberti for Saks Fifth Avenue, which beautifully showcased the elegance and creativity that both institutions are known for. 

Co-chairs and long-time supporters of the Houston Symphony, Brigitte Kalai and Farida Abjani, delivered a heartfelt tribute to community leadership, creativity, and volunteerism as they recognized three exemplary Houstonians: 

  • Hallie Vanderhider & Bobby Dees – Community Honorees, recognized for their longstanding commitment to education, the arts, and philanthropy across numerous organizations.  
  • Beth Wolff – Houston Symphony League Honoree, celebrated for her groundbreaking leadership of Houston real estate and her unwavering support of the League and many charitable and civic initiatives. 

League President Heidi Rockecharlie recognized the extraordinary efforts of the League’s many volunteers, and shared highlights of their remarkable accomplishments this year, including record membership growth, the implementation of a cost-cutting event sponsorship program, enriching the Icon fundraising concept, and ongoing support for the Houston Symphony’s education and outreach initiatives, which are projected to reach more than 350,000 individuals this season—over 130,000 of whom are children. She also recognized Honorary Committee Chair, Lesha Elsenbrook for her long-standing dedication to the League. 

Proceeds from the luncheon directly benefit the Houston Symphony’s industry-leading Education and Community Engagement programs, including in-school residencies, the Music and Wellness initiative, the In Harmony program, and the Harry and Cora Sue Mach Student Concert Series. 

“Today was a celebration of those who give back,” said President Rockecharlie. “We are deeply grateful for everyone who made this day possible and for all who continue to support our world-class, Grammy Award-winning Symphony Orchestra. Together, we are making music—and a difference.” 

Thank you to PaperCity, The Social Book, CultureMap and The Buzz Magazines for the coverage of this event. 

View PaperCity Article
View Social Book Article
View CultureMap Article

Excerpt from The Buzz Magazines 

Good tempo. The major keys were Brigitte Kalai and Farida Abjani, who chaired the Fifth Annual Conversations with an ICON Luncheon at Houston Country Club benefiting the Houston Symphony League. With rhythm and harmony, president Heidi Rockecharlieconducted a score of the League’s accomplishments and outreach initiatives, with projections to reach more than 350,000 individuals this season, over 130,000 of whom are children. Guests enjoyed an engaging repertoire between ICON honoree Heidi Turney (VP and GM of longtime supporter Saks Fifth Avenue) and journalist Shelby Hodge, who were followed by models in spring clothes from Saks Fifth Avenue. Three exemplary Houstonians Hallie Vanderhider, Bobby Dees, and Beth Wolff were honored for their rhapsody of unwavering support.

Tracie Welch-Brenton

Conversations with an Icon: A Symphony of Fashion, Community, and Impact

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Houston’s cultural landscape is rich with events that blend elegance, philanthropy, and community engagement—but few do so as seamlessly as the Houston Symphony League’s Conversations with an Icon featuring Saks Fifth Avenue. This highly anticipated luncheon and fashion show is more than just a glamorous gathering; it serves as a vital bridge, connecting the arts to the community while raising funds that make a real difference.

Expanding Access to the Arts

Attending a world-class symphony performance is an experience like no other. Yet, for many in Houston, access to live orchestral music remains out of reach. The Houston Symphony League is dedicated to changing that. Funds raised from this event help bring the magic of live classical music to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that the power of music transcends barriers and reaches a broader, more diverse audience.

Enhancing Music Education

Music has the power to inspire, and early exposure can shape a child’s lifelong appreciation for the arts. The League channels part of its funding into educational programs that introduce students—including those from underprivileged communities—to the world of music. Through these programs, young minds are exposed to popular and classical compositions, world-renowned conductors, and historical composers, nurturing the next generation of music lovers and performers.

The Healing Power of Music

Music does more than entertain—it heals. Through its Music Therapy and Outreach Program, the Houston Symphony League supports initiatives that bring live classical performances to hospitals, nursing homes, and home-bound patients. The therapeutic benefits of music have been well-documented, and these live performances by Houston Symphony Orchestra members provide comfort, relaxation, and even cognitive benefits to those in need.

More Than a Fashion Show—A Community Investment

When you attend Conversations with an Icon, you are not just supporting the arts—you are investing in education, inclusion, and well-being. Your participation helps create meaningful, lasting change in Houston’s cultural and social fabric.

Join us on March 26, 2025, at Houston Country Club for Conversations with an ICON, the intersection of fashion and philanthropy. Most importantly, help ensure that the beauty of music remains accessible to all.

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Fall luncheon
Tracie Welch-Brenton

The Houston Symphony League’s Fall Luncheon & Fashion Show was a Resounding Success

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The Houston Symphony League held its annual Fall Membership Luncheon & Fashion Show on September 18, 2024, in the newly redecorated ballroom at The Junior League of Houston. The event attracted a vibrant crowd and offered an afternoon filled with elegance, entertainment, and a deep sense of community spirit.

The event was co-chaired by Cynthia Wolff and Paige Cawthon, whose dedication and vision were instrumental in making the luncheon a success. They highlighted the sponsorship of the Symphony’s First Chair Violinist, Sophia Silivos in a brief interview and violin performance showing the League’s unwavering commitment to inspiring a love of music and the arts throughout our community. Gorgeous professional models and a few key volunteers took the runway showcasingthe exclusive launch of designer Christy Lynn’s Fall line, which captivated attendees with its chic and innovative designs.
A standout moment of the luncheon was the address by League President Heidi Rockecharlie who introduced HS Society Board President, Barbara Burger and this year’s League board members, graciously recognizing each for their commitment to the Symphony in an unprecedented move to make this year more about recognition and appreciation of League volunteers. 
 
Rockecharlie also unveiled innovative strategies to efficiently increase fundraising and reduce costs for greater success, including offering new membership level benefits like Baccarat crystal at the $2,000 level, generously donated by LeaguePresident-Elect, Leslie Nossaman.
 
“Only three months into the season, and we already have enough sponsorships to reduce costs by nearly 50% for some events meaning more funds can be allocated directly to The Houston Symphony from the League!” Rockecharlie emphasized. “We are incredibly thankful to everyone who has participated, especially Christy Lynn, for underwriting the costs associated with her fashion show, and donating a percentage of sales to the League, making this event even more special.”
 
In the crowd: Saks Fifth Avenue General Manager Heidi Turney, Beth Wolff, Lesha Elsenbrook, Betty Tutor, Elsie Eckert, Saula Valente, Nancy Willerson, Helen Shaffer, Sharon Brier, Kirk Kveton, Daniel Irion, Karen Payne,Mary Sage, Seema Sharma, Teresa Cox-Reading, Alecia Lawyer, Diane Gendel, Alex Blair, Christina Sacco, Hasina Stark, Libi Lebel, Jerre Parsons Williams, Nick Rockecharlie, Alicia Jansen, Anna Dean, Astrid Van Dyke, Deborah Laws, Sandra Porter, Kim Padgett, Helen Balensiefen Bow, Kirin Wells, Harriet Gertner, Amy Glenn Becker
League models: Cheryl Byington, Tracie Welch-Brenton, Raquel Lewis, and Blanca Jolly.
Brad Cavanaugh

Houston Symphony League Interviews A Houston Icon

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Chic … Eloquent … Sold-out! These were just some of the afternoon fun at the Junior League of Houston, where 150 beautifully dressed women and men enjoyed lunch and listened to chairperson Marla Hurley interview former retail giant Robert Sakowitz. View the article on the SOCIAL BOOK

Ann Cavanaugh

Magical Musical Morning

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League member, Joan Duff, experienced a transformative moment at last year’s Magical Musical Morning. So much so that she is chairing this year’s December 8th event at the River Oaks Country Club.
As a new member of the Houston Symphony League, and grandmother to eight youngsters, Joan immediately bought a table for her Houston area grandchildren. Her 7-year old grandson, Jed, absolutely had to have his best friend, Eliza, join him. And what a momentous invitation that turned out to be. Eliza zeroed in on the violin at the Instrument Petting Zoo. She was glowing with anticipation as she patiently awaited her turn to hold a VIOLIN. And then, when the moment happened Eliza’s face, indeed her whole being, sparkled as she placed her tiny hands around the neck of the violin and was helped to nuzzle her delicate face onto the chinrest. And then – when the volunteer placed the bow in her hand and helped her create sound- she fell in love. The magic gripped her. And, the magic continues.
A few months later, when interviewed for her new school and asked if she plays a musical instrument Eliza responded, “Yes, I play the violin.” When asked where she replied, “At the River Oaks Country Club.” Ah, the confidence of magic. Hoping to turn that “technical reality” into a “reality” her dad bought Eliza a violin and signed her up for lessons.

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