Conversation with an ICON

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.