The Houston Symphony League (HSL) Book Club provides a dedicated timeframe to reflect, share, explore, socialize, engage, and expand our knowledge regarding our common bond and love of music. The HSL Book Club, founded in 2013 during the HSL President tenure of Kelli Cohen Fein, recaptured in 2015 during the HSL President tenure of Betty Tutor, and steadfastly pursued by all subsequent HSL Presidents, encourages reading as a path to a deeper understanding of music in general . More specifically, the HSL Book Club provides a deeper understanding of the upcoming Houston Symphony symphonic music repertoire, a more robust and cohesive HSL community, and more integral involvement of the individual in the collective consciousness of both HSL and HS missions. The HSL Book Club offers a delightful opportunity to embrace and understand music and literature in novel ways.
Ginny Garrett, the esteemed HSL Historian for many years, embodied the HSL Book Club’s consummate facilitator from 2013 through 2022. She demonstrated an impressive breadth of knowledge and an entertaining manner in imparting information, stimulating thought and conversation that broadened everyone’s depth of understanding of the music, the composer, and the text at hand. All attendees engaged in lively conversation, offering observant and thought-provoking insights. Likewise, the HSL Book Club setting at the homes of Diane Gendel and Kelli Cohen Fein was well-attended, providing convivial, illuminating discussion, social engagement, and always delectable refreshments for each morning session. Further enriching the HSL Book Club’s meaningful impact, beginning in 2023, the illustrious and learned Robert Chanon assumed the role of a vibrant facilitator, and Betty Tutor joined Kelli Cohen Fein and Diane Gendel as a co-chair and hostess.
A few of the myriad highlights of the more than 10 years of HSL Book Club’s rich experiences must be mentioned as we have been fortunate to have benefited from so many talents:
Our guest facilitator, Lucy Lewis, presided with great aplomb as she presented Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan; Ann Thurmond graced us with her prodigious piano performance at one book club session; Harry Gendel was infinitely generous to provide Zoom availability during the pandemic; Ginny Garrett taught all the Book Club attendees to conduct at another memorable session and Robert Chanon captivated with his presentation on the genius of Leonard Bernstein.
The HSL Book Club has proven itself over the last 11 years to be a successful educational and social activity for our members. Our facilitator studies the HS season of slated works each year to find inspiration for pertinent, timely, and relevant books. The opportunity to learn more about featured composers is a powerful draw for HSL members. We recognize that our learning curves remain vertical despite years of exposure to these great composers and their works. The Book Club represents an inspirational and meaningful vehicle for our individual and collective music awareness. We meet twice a year – Spring and Fall from 10-11:30 am at the home of one of the co-chairs. The time together provides a “measure” of education, friendship, and connection to music to the Houston Symphony and the Houston Symphony League members.
An impressive list of some of the formidable books the HSL Book Club has embraced through the years, beginning in 2013 to the present :
Why Mahler? How One Man and Ten Symphonies Changed Our World – Norman Lebrecht
Mahler – A Life by Johnathan Carr.
Changing Lives: Gustavo Dudamel, El Sistema and the Transformative Power of Music – Tricia Tunstall
Beethoven – Maynard Solomon
New Worlds of Dvorak-Searching in America for the Composer’s Inner Life – Michael B. Beckerman
Hallelujah Junction – Composing an American Life by John Adams.
Sergei Rachmaninoff – A Lifetime in Music — Sergei Bertensson and Jay Leyda.
The Noise of Time – Julian Barnes
Dinner With Lenny – Jonathan Cottrell
George Gershwin: An Intimate Portrait– Walter Rimler.
Sounds and Sweet Airs: The Forgotten Women of Classical Music – Anna Beer.
Schumann, the Face and the Masks – Judith Chernaik
At the Piano with Robert and Clara Schumann, edited by Maurice Hinson –Recommended by Darlene Clark – re sightreading practice
The Silent Musician-Why the Conductor Matters – Mark Wugglesworth
The Lives of Isaac Stern by David Schoenbaum.
Mozart’s Women by Jane Glover
The Infinite Variety of Music – Leonard Bernstein
Tchaikovsky’s Empire – A New Life of Russia’s Greatest Composer – Simon Morrison.
Every Valley – Charles King
Join us in the learning and the friendship in pursuit of our common bond and passion for music !!!
“…For music consists of harmony, and harmony becomes far more complete if all the voices collaborate to form it.” ~Johann Sebastian Bach
Where Fashion Meets Philanthropy: 2025 Conversations with an ICON
/in Event, News/by Tracie Welch-BrentonThe 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:
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.
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.
The 2025 Alyce Tostengard Crystal Cello
/in Award/by Tracie Welch-BrentonThis Alyce Tostengard Crystal Cello Award was awarded at the Spring Membership Tea to 12-year Volunteer Houston Symphony League member, Jeffery Aron!
Jeff has become a fixture at Student and Family Concerts for the past 12 years as he was transitioning into his second retirement from a career in Electrical Engineering. A PhD, Jeff had an illustrious career working for Warner Communications, Norden and finally for Schlumberger, which afforded his family the joy of living in Paris. After an early retirement, he couldn’t sit still and went to work for Tuboscope and even after his second retirement he went into consulting using his in-depth knowledge of acoustics, which certainly comes in handy as a patron of the Houston Symphony.
After his second retirement, his wife, Rita, a long time Houston Symphony League volunteer told him about the acute need for more volunteers for Student Concerts and he rapidly stepped up to the challenge and even telling his consulting clients he would be late because he “was needed at that days Student Concerts”.
A fixture on the Texas Street side of Jones Hall, he knows that the more help you have in shepherding the kids into Jones Hall the smoother the day goes for everyone. He just enjoys the students and the Texas side of the street; so, he probably won’t quit volunteering any time soon.
Congratulations and we are so proud of Jeff and all he does for the Houston Symphony League.
Mary M. Fusillo-2024 Crystal Cello Award Winner
Conversations with an Icon: A Symphony of Fashion, Community, and Impact
/in Event/by Tracie Welch-BrentonHouston’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.
Awards Announced for LAO and TASO
/in Award/by Tracie Welch-BrentonBig Announcement! The Houston Symphony League won a Gold Award of Excellence from the League of American Orchestras’ Volunteer Council and three Recognized Project Awards from the Texas Association for Symphony Orchestras (TASO).
The Houston Symphony League won a Gold Award of Excellence from the League of American Orchestras (LAO) Volunteer Council for its project Engaging Membership for Retention. This project highlights what the Membership Committee did to grow our League membership through retention efforts. The lead for the project was Leslie Nossaman. The Volunteer Council’s Gold Awards of Excellence honor best-in-class programs and initiatives that have made a significant impact on their orchestras. Only seven Gold Awards were given this year.
The project will be presented to symphony volunteers at the upcoming LAO Conference in Salt Lake City on June 11-13, 2025. Leslie Nossaman will make the presentation and lead the discussion at the conference. LAO is a North American organization whose membership encompasses nearly 800-member symphony, chamber, youth, and collegiate orchestras in all 50 US states and Canada.
The Engaging Membership for Retention project also won a Recognized Project Award from TASO. In addition, two other projects – Shop, Sip, Stroll, and Dine for a Cause, a project chaired by Deborah Laws and Raquel Lewis, and Getting Them in the Door, submitted by Betty Tutor and Fran Peterson on behalf of the League’s Symphonic Social Connections – were also awarded Recognized Project Awards. These three projects will be presented at the annual TASO Conference in Waco on March 21-22. TASO’s membership includes 16 Texas Symphony Leagues.
Houston Symphony League Book Club History and Invitation
/in News/by Tracie Welch-BrentonThe Houston Symphony League (HSL) Book Club provides a dedicated timeframe to reflect, share, explore, socialize, engage, and expand our knowledge regarding our common bond and love of music. The HSL Book Club, founded in 2013 during the HSL President tenure of Kelli Cohen Fein, recaptured in 2015 during the HSL President tenure of Betty Tutor, and steadfastly pursued by all subsequent HSL Presidents, encourages reading as a path to a deeper understanding of music in general . More specifically, the HSL Book Club provides a deeper understanding of the upcoming Houston Symphony symphonic music repertoire, a more robust and cohesive HSL community, and more integral involvement of the individual in the collective consciousness of both HSL and HS missions. The HSL Book Club offers a delightful opportunity to embrace and understand music and literature in novel ways.
Ginny Garrett, the esteemed HSL Historian for many years, embodied the HSL Book Club’s consummate facilitator from 2013 through 2022. She demonstrated an impressive breadth of knowledge and an entertaining manner in imparting information, stimulating thought and conversation that broadened everyone’s depth of understanding of the music, the composer, and the text at hand. All attendees engaged in lively conversation, offering observant and thought-provoking insights. Likewise, the HSL Book Club setting at the homes of Diane Gendel and Kelli Cohen Fein was well-attended, providing convivial, illuminating discussion, social engagement, and always delectable refreshments for each morning session. Further enriching the HSL Book Club’s meaningful impact, beginning in 2023, the illustrious and learned Robert Chanon assumed the role of a vibrant facilitator, and Betty Tutor joined Kelli Cohen Fein and Diane Gendel as a co-chair and hostess.
A few of the myriad highlights of the more than 10 years of HSL Book Club’s rich experiences must be mentioned as we have been fortunate to have benefited from so many talents:
Our guest facilitator, Lucy Lewis, presided with great aplomb as she presented Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan; Ann Thurmond graced us with her prodigious piano performance at one book club session; Harry Gendel was infinitely generous to provide Zoom availability during the pandemic; Ginny Garrett taught all the Book Club attendees to conduct at another memorable session and Robert Chanon captivated with his presentation on the genius of Leonard Bernstein.
The HSL Book Club has proven itself over the last 11 years to be a successful educational and social activity for our members. Our facilitator studies the HS season of slated works each year to find inspiration for pertinent, timely, and relevant books. The opportunity to learn more about featured composers is a powerful draw for HSL members. We recognize that our learning curves remain vertical despite years of exposure to these great composers and their works. The Book Club represents an inspirational and meaningful vehicle for our individual and collective music awareness. We meet twice a year – Spring and Fall from 10-11:30 am at the home of one of the co-chairs. The time together provides a “measure” of education, friendship, and connection to music to the Houston Symphony and the Houston Symphony League members.
An impressive list of some of the formidable books the HSL Book Club has embraced through the years, beginning in 2013 to the present :
Why Mahler? How One Man and Ten Symphonies Changed Our World – Norman Lebrecht
Mahler – A Life by Johnathan Carr.
Changing Lives: Gustavo Dudamel, El Sistema and the Transformative Power of Music – Tricia Tunstall
Beethoven – Maynard Solomon
New Worlds of Dvorak-Searching in America for the Composer’s Inner Life – Michael B. Beckerman
Hallelujah Junction – Composing an American Life by John Adams.
Sergei Rachmaninoff – A Lifetime in Music — Sergei Bertensson and Jay Leyda.
The Noise of Time – Julian Barnes
Dinner With Lenny – Jonathan Cottrell
George Gershwin: An Intimate Portrait– Walter Rimler.
Sounds and Sweet Airs: The Forgotten Women of Classical Music – Anna Beer.
Schumann, the Face and the Masks – Judith Chernaik
At the Piano with Robert and Clara Schumann, edited by Maurice Hinson –Recommended by Darlene Clark – re sightreading practice
The Silent Musician-Why the Conductor Matters – Mark Wugglesworth
The Lives of Isaac Stern by David Schoenbaum.
Mozart’s Women by Jane Glover
The Infinite Variety of Music – Leonard Bernstein
Tchaikovsky’s Empire – A New Life of Russia’s Greatest Composer – Simon Morrison.
Every Valley – Charles King
Join us in the learning and the friendship in pursuit of our common bond and passion for music !!!
“…For music consists of harmony, and harmony becomes far more complete if all the voices collaborate to form it.” ~Johann Sebastian Bach
The Houston Symphony League’s Fall Luncheon & Fashion Show was a Resounding Success
/in Event/by Tracie Welch-BrentonThe 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.
League of American Orchestras Awards 2024
/in Award/by Tracie Welch-BrentonThe Houston Symphony League was honored with two awards at the LAO Conference
CONGRATS TO BETTY TUTOR AND FRAN FAWCETT PETERSON FOR THEIR LAO PROJECT!
Congratulations to League members Betty Tutor and Fran Fawcett Peterson for their Gold Award of Excellence-winning presentation, “Re-Imagining Auctions,” at the League of American Orchestras Conference!
In this presentation, Betty and Fran discussed the success of the Houston Symphony Ball Auction and the auction parties. Their creative and unique approach to the Ball Auction was received with enthusiasm by both the presentation attendees and LAO, who included the following positive comments: Well Produced, Great Q and A, Great Content, Loved Luncheon Process, Can Use Approach on Smaller Scale, Took Away Ideas, Clever. Please join us in congratulating Betty and Fran!
CONGRATS ALSO GO TO DEB HAPP AND LESLIE NOSSAMAN FOR THEIR LAO PROJECT!
Kudos to League members Deb Happ and Leslie Nossaman for their Gold Award of Excellence-winning presentation, “Growing Membership 2022-2023: Focus on What Works” at the League of American Orchestras Conference!
Volunteer organizations from all over the country have reported difficulty with maintaining and growing their membership, and this project provided factual and measurable ways to achieve success. This project was year three of a five-year plan, which was built upon researching HSL membership history and initiating new strategies to target potential members. Attendees appreciated the fact-based strategic plan, which showed how the Houston Symphony League bucked the trend, increased membership by 32% over the previous year, and achieved a 94% renewal rate!
Thanks, Deb and Leslie, for showcasing our Membership Success!
Ellen Kelley 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award
/in Award/by Tracie Welch-BrentonDonna Mello Receives the
Ellen Kelley
2024 Volunteer of the Year Award
The Ellen Kelley Volunteer of the Year Award is given in recognition of outstanding service to the Houston Symphony league and the Houston Symphony. The Award was established in 1984 and named after its first recipient, Ellen Kelley. The honoree has special qualities of purposeful involvement, the ability to inspire others, meets goals with a vision for the present and the future, hard work in the trenches, productivity, ingenuity and ongoing support and leadership are all important qualities of the recipient.
Donna Mello truly exemplifies these qualities and has been named the recipient of the 2024 Ellen Kelley Volunteer of the Year Award. Donna is known for positive energy, creativity, and infectious enthusiasm for working with others. She holds a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from the University of Houston and served on the prestigious Gourmet Night Committee for three years. As a member of the Consular Ball Committee of Houston (14 years), she worked to strengthen ties between international consulates and the Houston business community. As Chair of the 1996 Consular Ball honoring Italy & raising $70,000 for scholarships, the World Jaycee President presented Donna with “The International JC of the Day” award.
By chance, a publicist suggested that Donna join the Houston Symphony League. Since 1997, Donna has been an enthusiastic League member chairing Student Concert Ushers for eight years (1998-2008), the Instrument Petting Zoo (2016, 2017, 2018), Family Concerts/Event Volunteers (2019), and the Symphony Store (2002). Donna served as Recording Secretary, Vice-President of Service (2008), and Vice-President of Arrangements (2021, 2022). She chaired or co-chaired League Night Out (2016, 2023), the Spring Membership Event (2021), and the Musician/Staff Breakfast (2023).
Donna was a constant presence at the Puppet Shows, Ima Hogg Competitions and Magical Musical Mornings. She volunteers for Family Concert Craft Nights, Membership Renewal activities, the President’s Luncheon, the newly created Concierge Program, the Symphony Ball Silent Auction and wherever “hands” are needed. Donna’s favorite role is with the Instrument Petting Zoo demonstrating how to hold a violin.
Donna has added beauty to League meetings through floral arrangements created with skills learned in her parents’ flower shop. Her creativity as an award winning 22k gold- granulation jewelry artist can also be found in the internationally juried 2013 book Showcase 500 Art Necklaces. Currently, Donna is an Executive Assistant and Office Manager for Utility Global. She attends both classical and POPS concerts and is grateful for the many friends made while volunteering and the new friendships to come!
Mary Fusillo: Ardyce Tostengard Crystal Cello Award Winner 2024
/in Award/by William CavanaughAs Co-Vice Presidents of the Houston Symphony League Education Committee, Rita Aron and I, in concert with Allison Conlan, Director of Community Engagement, are honored to present this year’s Ardyce Tostengard Crystal Cell Award to Mary Fusillo.
Mary is a Houston native and is committed to the city and its vibrant arts community. She has been a member of the Houston Symphony League for over 25 years and is an ardent volunteer and advocate for the Symphony’s education programs.
Mary has long served as a volunteer for the Student and Family Concerts. Despite the rigors of being a business owner, mother of twins, and wife, Mary has always made time to volunteer. As this year’s League President, Mary strongly advocated for the Student and Family Concerts. In every eCounterpoint newsletter and at every Board meeting, Mary never failed to mention the importance of the Symphony’s education offerings and encourage League members to sign up and volunteer with her. She even put in a good word about the Student Concerts when she appeared on KIAH Channel 39 in February.
Allison had this to say –
Upon reflecting on the past several years of working with Mary at our Education events, I’ve come to appreciate her presence in profound ways.
First, Mary possesses an innate ability to discern and address the needs of any situation. I have found myself quietly relieved when she is around, knowing that she will spring into action with a solution before I have the chance to articulate the problem. Mary’s focus is always centered on ensuring the best possible experience for students, a trait I deeply appreciate.
Second, Mary’s infectious energy ensures that any event she attends is bound to be a memorable one. Her sense of humor and warmth have a remarkable way of fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy. Witnessing volunteers share laughter and forge meaningful connections is truly a testament to her ability to uplift and inspire those around her.
Last, with the countless responsibilities she holds in her role as the Houston Symphony League’s President, her unwavering commitment and consistent presence at our Education events underscores the importance of our collective efforts to serve our community. I’m truly grateful for Mary’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of quality and compassion, reminding us of the profound significance of the work we can achieve together.
Mary’s presence is not just felt; it’s cherished, celebrated, and deeply appreciated by the Houston Symphony family. Congratulations, Mary!
Such an Elegant Evening…..Houston Symphony’s Old World Tribute to Vienna a Million Dollar Night
/in News/by William CavanaughThe Houston social calendar officially kicked off the New Year and New Season with the most elegant evening celebrating the 2024 Houston Symphony Ball, themed Vienna Fête Impériale. Over 400 guests in their finest white tie and over-the-top elegant fashions filled the ballroom of the Post Oak Hotel, raising over $1 million to benefit the Houston Symphony’s Education and Community Engagement Program. The ballroom thanks to the talents of Richard Flowers of the Events Company converted the room through its decor to a perfect blend of Vienna and American culture. Crystal chandeliers, candelabras and tables covered in exquisite linens were the perfect setting for the most elegant and beautiful display of florals arrangements in varying sizes and shades of pink very much in keeping with the theme of old world Europe.
To learn more, read the entire article on MyRedGlasses