Annual Luncheon 2025: Music Without Borders

For over 60 years, Houston Boychoir has served the Houston community with a single mission at heart, to build men of character through music. We change lives—one boy at a time—but we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible. Houston Boychoir provides boys with an exemplary music education and the chance to see the world through the eyes of a traveler. Most importantly, Houston Boychoir provides boys with a place to belong and the tools to succeed, fostering the boys and young men who will continue to make Houston a desirable community for business, for families, and for the arts.

This year we are honored to name Ian Ramirez, CSEP, is a former international opera singer turned wedding and event industry leader as our Inaugural Man of Character.

With performances spanning the globe—from Portland, Oregon, to Stuttgart, Germany—he has sung with renowned organizations such as Opera Stuttgart, Portland Opera, the Marlboro Music Festival, and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Ian earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music, graduating Summa cum Laude from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. His vocal artistry earned him awards from the National Opera Association and a Career Opportunity Grant from the Oregon Arts Commission.

In 2017, Ian transitioned from opera to operations and now serves as the Co-Owner and Venue Director of Madera Estates, an award-winning Spanish- and European-inspired wedding and event venue located in Conroe, TX. Hosting more than 100 events annually, Ian oversees operations, business development, and customer service, ensuring an exceptional experience for every couple. He is also the Co-Founder of the Venue Help Desk, a coaching and consultative resource connecting venue owners and managers with vetted professionals, tools, and systems to solve any challenge.

Ian is passionate about giving back to his community and advancing the wedding and event industry. A 2024 WeddingPro Educator and Fellowship for Change Mentor, he has shared his expertise with thousands of wedding professionals and has been as a featured speaker at Wedding MBA, Catersource + The Special Event, the International Live Events Association (ILEA), the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), and more. Ian also holds the prestigious Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation.

Among his other accolades, Ian was named Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40; Man of the Year through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man & Woman of the Year Campaign in Montgomery County, TX; PR Luxury Media’s Do-Gooder of the Year; and Interfaith of The Woodlands Five Who Share Award Recipient.

On a local level, Ian has served in leadership roles and board positions with Interfaith of The Woodlands, the International Live Events Association Houston Chapter, and Class Act Productions.

When not managing Madera Estates or performing in the Greater Houston Area, he enjoys traveling with his husband, Paul, practicing yoga, and reading.Born, one of nine siblings,

For Houston Boychoir, this year is full of potential, and your support will make it possible. Your tax-deductible donation will help fund our educational programs, outreach initiatives, and the personal and artistic growth of these young voices. Our theme for the 2024-2025 season, Music Without Borders, provides young boys the opportunity to sing and connect with diverse cultures from around the world, performing in a multitude of languages and musical traditions. Our ambitious programming reflects the spirit of unity and collaboration that defines the city of Houston. Beyond the borders of our city, our state and our country, Houston Boychoir is taking 40 boys on tour to Buenos Aires, Argentina! This event will allow HBC boys to serve as ambassadors for their community, state, and country—while experiencing firsthand the universal power of music. Going on tour is a cornerstone of the Boychoir experience, a key part of their growth as individuals and musicians.

Please help us provide this experience to even more boys by becoming a sponsor for our luncheon, Music Without Borders.