About the New Year’s Gala | About Old Russian New Year | Menu
WHEN: Friday, January 13, 2012 at 10 pm
WHERE: Ciao Bello Restaurant (5161 San Felipe Street Houston, TX 77056)
The Russian Cultural Center of Houston has teamed up with Hans Graf, the Houston Symphony, and renowned restaurateur, Tony Vallone, for a special evening “Imperial Russia New Year’s Eve Gala. Our first Annual Gala highlights the best of Russian music and cuisine and will bring in the New Year in classic Russian style, on Friday evening, January 13, 2012.
The gala is honoring the Music Director of the Houston Symphony, for his continued support of the Russian Cultural Center as a board member and the director of our musical programs.
In collaboration with the Houston Symphony, patrons and music lovers have the option of attending both the Jones Hall performance of Sergey Rachmaniniff’s Piano Concertos Number 1 and 4, with guest soloist Kirill Gerstein, and a Russian-style New Year’s Eve Gala at the Ciao Bella restaurant following the concert.
Please join the Russian Cultural Center, the Houston Symphony, and Tony Vallone for this extraordinary evening. Make it a date night or invite your friends to enjoy Gerstein’s performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concertos and Chef Vallone’s special menu of Classic Russian dishes resurrected from the twilight reign of the Romanoffs. The Gala will commence at 10:00 pm, featuring open bar of premiere Russian vodkas, wine and beer, special 5-star three course supper, silent auction and music by the “Gypsies.”
Be a part of the special tribute to the most beloved Russian composer. Don’t miss the opportunity to reserve a table with this year’s Gala Honoree, Maestro Hans Graf, or with our special guests Russian Consul General, Vice Russian Consul and world renowned pianist Kirill Gerstein.
Proceeds from the event are tax deductible and will be used to underwrite the cultural programs offered to Texans through the Russian Cultural Center. Together, we can boost visibility of the Russian culture and improve the quality of cultural events in Houston.
Individual Gala Tickets – $150
Gala Sponsor Level Tables of Ten
- $25,000 – seating with Maestro & Mrs. Hans Graf (table of 10)
- $10,000 – seating with the Russian Consul General and spouse (table of 10)
- $5,000 – seating with pianist & Mrs. Kirill Gerstein (table of 10)
The tickets are treated as a charitable donation and are tax deductible.
Gala featuring Supper menu by Tony Vallone and music by the “Gypsies” band
Open bar with Russian vodka, wine, and beer
Silent Auction
Raffle for 2 round trip to Moscow, courtesy of Singapore Airlines
Attire: Black Tie Optional.
For more information and reservations, please call 713.395.3301
The Gala Chairs:
Jamie Stewart and John Sparacino
Victoria Filippov and George Nemeth
The Gala Committee:
Mrs. Donna Alexander, Ms. Lisa Whitaker,
Dr. Boris & Larisa Rubashkin, Dr. Alex Prokhorov,
Ms. Kate Campbell, Ms. Esther Olivarez, Ms. Lisa Lee
The Gala Honoree:
Hans Graf, Music Director of Houston Symphony. Known for his intensely musical interpretations of a wide ranging repertoire and creative programming, the distinguished Austrian conductor, Hans Graf, is one of today’s most highly respected musicians. This year’s gala honors Hans Graf for his service on the board of the Russian Cultural Center “Our Texas” and an important contribution to our musical program.
The Gala Sponsors:
