It’s time to return to the stage! Virtuosi of Houston gathered at the buzzy InterContinental Houston Medical Center Hotel to celebrate its 27th-anniversary gala. This year’s theme? “A Magical Musical Evening!” During the event, the orchestral program was performed by Virtuosi’s young artists (aged 11 to 18), under the direction of VOH’s founding artistic directors, maestros Andrzej Grabiec and Franz Anton Krager. The young musicians attend schools from across the greater Houston area, and—if you want to catch a show of your own—perform various concerts throughout the year at the Hobby Center and other prestigious local venues.
Other performers of the event included award-winning soloists Mezzo Sarah Dyer and baritone Sean Holshouser, who performed “That Old Black Magic” and “Magic Moments;” while sleight of Hand and mental magic were provided by Mr. Ben Jackson—one of the youngest magicians ever to win first place at the World Magic Seminar’s International Close-up Magic Competition in Las Vegas.
The gala’s committee was led by VOH board president Susan DeBakey, VOH executive director Karen Needham, and board member Amy Birdwell. A pinnacle of the event? Founder and CEO of Medistar Corporation, underwriting sponsor and Guest of Honor of the event, Mr. Monzer Hourani, was given a special award for his generous and selfless support of the Houston nonprofit organization these past few decades. He shares, “Virtuosi of Houston provides an opportunity for young people to not only develop their talent to the fullest but also helps preserve the viability of this art form which, I know personally, can make a positive and dramatic impact on the quality of life.” All proceeds from the night’s table sales and auction went towards the support of VOH artists and education programs for the young artists.
performers Sarah Dyer and Sean Holshouser
Mr. Ben Jackson's magical performance
The orchestral program
Photography by: Photos Courtesy of Virtuosi of Houston
