Dallas Symphony Applause Newsletter Spring 2010

ApplAuse!T h e D a l l a s s y m p h o n y o r c h e s T r a n e w s l e T T e r s p r i n g 2 0 1 0

The 2010-2011 season marks two significant anniversaries at the Dallas Symphony. For the past decade, the Texas Instruments Classical Series and the AT&T Gala have been cornerstones of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, bringing music and joy to hundreds of thousands of North Texas residents. We humbly thank these two companies for enabling us to do what we do best: make wonderful music for the City of Dallas.

For over fifty years, Texas Instruments has played an integral role in bringing world-class music to Dallas and is part of the orchestra’s infrastructure in the most literal sense. The Eugene McDermott Concert Hall was named after the late co-founder of Texas Instruments. Sam Self, now co-chair of the Dallas Symphony Foundation, has served on our board and held the position of Interim President

prior to the appointment of Doug Adams. In addition, numerous Texas Instruments employees contribute personally and have served on our Board of Directors.

“We are proud to be sponsoring the Texas Instruments Classical Series for the tenth year, as well as continuing our long-time support of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra,” said Andy Smith, Director of Corporate Philanthropy for Texas Instruments. “The Texas Instruments Classical Series, especially under the leadership of Maestro Jaap Van Zweden, contributes greatly to the cultural and economic vitality of Dallas, making our city an even better place to live.”

Anyone who has attended a Dallas Symphony AT&T Gala knows just how delightful an evening at the Meyerson Symphony Center can be. From specialty cocktails to

Texas Instruments and AT&T: Changing Dallas’ Musical Landscape

C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 Y E A R S A S C L A S S I C A L S E R I E S S P O N S O R

lavish decor; from fine dining to inspired performances by the world’s most renowned musical geniuses; the AT&T Gala always delivers memories that will be treasured long into the future.

However, the true magic of the AT&T Gala isn’t due to the events that occur. Rather, it comes from an outpouring of support received from the community that we serve. Randall Stephenson, Chairman and CEO of AT&T noted that “we’re honored to support the thriving arts community that enriches the lives of the residents of Dallas and those who visit here.”

Please join us in recognizing these two companies. Both have very distinctive products and missions that have led to their global success. However, they are unified in their commitment to make the world a better place to live, work and communicate, and understand the role of the arts in that endeavor.

It has been said that an

orchestra can only be as

good as its community will

allow. The support of Texas

Instruments and AT&T are

undoubtedly opening doors

for the Dallas Symphony

that allow us to venture into

artistic territory that would

have been unfathomable ten

years ago.

“The Texas Instruments Classical Series, especially under the leadership of Music Director Jaap van Zweden, contributes greatly to the cultural and economic vitality of Dallas, making our city an even better place to live.”

The Dallas Symphony is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the following major sponsors:

Silver Bow DinnerGold Bow DinnerAudit

Official AirlineDallas Symphony Orchestra AT&T Gala

Youth and Community Engagement Sponsor

Young Strings

Texas Instruments Classical SeriesC E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 Y E A R S A S C L A S S I C A L S E R I E S S P O N S O R

Open House

Christmas Cheer Concert SeriesJaap van Zweden Society

Double Your Impact!

With Maestro Jaap van Zweden and new principal pops conductor Marvin Hamlisch setting a transformational artistic vision, there is a bright future for the DSO. But because ticket sales provide only 40% of the symphony’s revenues, Annual Fund gifts from Individual, Corporate and Foundation donors are especially important in helping to keep the music playing.

If you have already made a gift to the Annual Fund this year, thank you! If you are in a position to make an additional or new gift, or can increase your annual renewal - at any level - please help us take advantage of this opportunity, and double the impact of your support to the symphony. Call 214.871.4047 or visit www.DallasSymphony.com today!

The Dallas Symphony’s Executive Board has announced a $250,000 challenge gift that will match all new and increased pledges received between April 15 and May 31!

thousands of underserved members of our community.

Becoming a Stradivarius Patron is easier and more affordable than you may think. With create-your-own payment plans, you can enjoy special performances, receive behind-the-scenes access, and be a platform for the success of Texas’ most respected orchestra for as little as $210 a month.

Contact Amy Camp at 214.871.4025 or [email protected] to sign up or learn more!

Highlights of the Texas Instruments Classical Series include world premieres of works by Stewart Copeland and Poul Ruders as well as five Dallas Symphony Orchestra premieres. “I am particularly excited about this season’s Texas Instruments Classical Series,” said van Zweden. “This selection of performances and soloists is truly exceptional.”

Other classical events of note include the 2010 Dallas Symphony Orchestra AT&T Gala in September featuring pianist Lang Lang playing

Destination DSO

Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto with the DSO, led by van Zweden, and a special performance of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project in March of 2011. Other significant works to be performed include Beethoven’s epic 9th Symphony, Stravinsky’s visceral Rite of Spring, and Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah.

The Dallas Symphony repeats its summer residency in Vail, CO for the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival in June and July. We will also be traveling to the “Big Apple” for the

Dallas Symphony’s first appearance at Carnegie Hall with Music Director Jaap van Zweden as part of the Spring for Music Festival in May of 2011.

New for the 2010-2011 Pops Series is superstar composer/conductor and pianist Marvin Hamlisch as principal pops conductor, heading the series which includes appearances by Liza Minnelli, Jim Brickman, Chris Botti, Frankie Valli and more. In a recent interview, Hamlisch noted, “If you come see me conduct, you can count on laughter and good times. A concert has to be more than just what you’d hear if you bought the CD. You have to learn something about the people onstage.”

Subscription ticket packages are on sale now and begin at $90. The DSO is pleased to feature an exchange policy for its valued subscribers: enjoy free unlimited exchanges within your package and pay no handling fees on additional tickets purchased throughout the year. Subscribers also have the opportunity to select their seats – securing the same placement for each concert. A detailed list of subscriber-only benefits is available at DallasSymphony.com/DestinationDSO. Single tickets go on sale to the public in late summer.

Call 214.692.0203 to purchase tickets and obtain further information. Visit www.DallasSymphony.com for concert information and to purchase tickets for all DSO events 24 hours a day.

Anyone who has recently been to or read about a Dallas Symphony Orchestra performance is likely to have noticed some changes. Comments from acclaimed music critics, alluding to the Orchestra’s “focused intensity,” “musical finesse,” and “a real chemistry between [musicians] and [conductor]” have already begun to revolutionize the way America views Dallas and its orchestra. One needs only a ticket to experience what so many are raving about.

But for those who are looking to

delve deeper into the score of the Dallas Symphony; who want to connect in meaningful ways with musicians, guest artists, and others who share a passion for the orchestra– the Stradivarius Patrons are the group you’re looking for.

With a number of perks such as complimentary parking for subscription concerts, priority ticket services, and invitations to exclusive events, it’s easy to forget that each investment is integral in providing resources for world-class music and education programs that benefit

Myrna and Robert Schlegel From left: Jaap van Zweden, Aaltje van Zweden, Sarah Perot, and Ross Perot Jr.

Stanley and Barbara Rabin meet with violin legend Itzhak Perlman

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The Dallas Symphony Orchestra recently announced its 2010-2011 Season, which includes groundbreaking world premieres, superstar guest artists and the new conducting dream team of Jaap van Zweden and Marvin Hamlisch!

Get Your VIP Ticket as a Stradivarius Patron

Please Attend Our Volunteer Fundraising Events

• Honorary chairs: Susan and Woodrow Gandy • Sunday, April 18, 2010 noon-5 p.m. Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie • Complimentary valet parking • Scrumptious all-day buffet in the Silks Dining Room overlooking the final turn and finish line of the track, • Live auction of fabulous trips and items between races • On-going silent auction with the luxury of bidding from your seat thanks to the latest in auction

technology – TouchPads. • Individual tickets $ 150 each • Underwriting opportunities begin at $500. • Contact Katherine Smethie at 972-252-8951

ThE DALLAS SYMPhOnY OrChESTrA GuILD Requests the pleasure of your company at its 2010 Spring Gala to benefit the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Performance Preludes. This is Sunday, April 18, 2010 at The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creeek, 2821 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Dallas, Texas, 75219.

ThE WELLS FArGO DALLAS SYMPhOnY OrChESTrA LEAGuE DErBY

Featuring pianist Louis Lortie • 6:30 Reception • 7:15 Dinner • 8:00 concert • Individual Tickets $150 each • Black Tie • Contact rebecca Bailey at 214-553-6188

Start the black-tie evening with sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails in a sophisticated nightclub atmosphere. A delectable 3-course seated dinner with private bars and live entertainment will follow. And of course, attendees can expect an unforgettable musical performance. Internationally acclaimed pianist LAnG LAnG headlines the Gala repertoire with JAAP VAn ZWEDEn conducting the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in Beethoven’s lyrical Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, along with other repertoire to be determined. After the concert, guests have their choice of two lavish Gala after-parties

2010 Dallas Symphony Orchestra AT&T Gala

featuring chef-stationed desserts, more signature cocktails and dancing with live entertainment to top off an evening that won’t be forgotten!

2010 marks AT&T’s unprecedented tenth consecutive year of support for the Dallas Symphony’s annual Fall Gala, its largest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds benefit the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and its programs, which include classical and pops concerts, adult and youth education and community outreach initiatives. Ticket options are available for the full Gala evening as well as the Gala concert and after-party

Wells Fargo Dallas Symphony DerbyDallas Symphony Orchestra League

Sunday, April 18, 2010noon-5:00 pm

Symphonic Safari: DSO at the ZooPresented by the Edgar A. Robinson Family By invitation

Sunday, April 18, 2010 5:30-8:00 pm

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Guild 2010 Spring GalaDallas Symphony Orchestra Guild

Sunday, April 18, 2010 6:30 pm

Silver Bow Dinner Presented by Deloitte LLPSilver Stradivarius Patrons and above

Wednesday, April 28, 20106:30-9:00 pm

Eduardo Mata Plaque unveiling and hans Kreissig Society Thank youBy Invitation

Thursday, May 20, 20106:00-7:30 pm

Memorial Day Concert at Flagpole hillOpen to the Public

Monday, May 31, 2010 8:00 pm

Black Tie DinnerStradivarius Patrons and above

Monday, June 14, 2010 6:30 pm

Donor Appreciation ConcertBy Invitation

Sunday, June 20, 2010 2:30 pm(time TBD)

Keeping in Time: Upcoming DSo evenTS

Piano superstar Lang Lang will perform at the 2010 Dallas Symphony AT&T Gala

experience. Reserve your tickets at 214-871-4065 or email [email protected].

Did you know that the Dallas Symphony Orchestra performs for approximately 30,000 people throughout the city each year through special outreach concerts?

PArKS COnCErTS Six concerts are held annually throughout the city at beautiful outdoor venues. The series includes two popular events which have become traditions in Dallas: the Easter Concert at Lee Park (April 4) and the Memorial Day Concert at Flagpole Hill (May 31), which is topped off by a stirring fireworks show. We have also added the Dallas Arboretum (June 9). The three other concerts for 2010 will be at Kidd Springs (June 1), Campbell Green (June 2) and Exall Parks (June 8). Rei Hotoda will conduct the Dallas Symphony Orchestra with lively

programs. Bring your friends and family for a picnic and enjoy beautiful music in the great outdoors!

All parks concerts are open to public. Tickets for Arboretum performances must be reserved in advance. To reserve seats, call 214.692.0203

AFrICAn AMErICAn AnD LATInO COnCErTS We have two amazing concerts planned. The Latino Concert (June 4) will feature music favorites by Pedro Infante, from the golden age of Mexican cinema, with film clips from the beloved folk hero playing behind the orchestra. The African American concert (June 18) will feature Jubilant Sykes, baritone, singing favorite spirituals. We hope to inspire audiences from all backgrounds to enjoy the uniqueness of these concerts!

To purchase tickets, visit dallassymphony.com or call 214.692.0203

OPEn hOuSE Last fall, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra hosted a free Open House, celebrating the symphony’s 20th year at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. We invited other musical groups to participate, including the Turtle Creek Chorale and the Dallas Wind Symphony. More than 4,000 attendees enjoyed a beautiful Sunday afternoon of music, dance and food. We plan to make this Open House a new tradition as we collaborate with other arts organizations and local restaurants to make all feel welcome at the Meyerson.

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Mark your calendars: Saturday, September 18, 2010 for THE party of the year – the 2010 Dallas Symphony Orchestra AT&T Gala. Join us for an evening of exquisite music, food and dancing at the acclaimed Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center!

Community Engagement Concerts

Supporting the Legacy Society with Passion SUbmiTTeD by HanS KreiSSig Legacy memberS ricK anDrew anD Diane bUcHanan

We believe in the power of music and are grateful for the opportunity to help others share their passion for the true “universal language.” This is why we support the Dallas Symphony and believe in its mission. In the larger picture, our beloved DSO is much more than a legacy for the people

of North Texas - it’s contributing to our legacy as human beings. The orchestra’s music and programs are touching lives well beyond Dallas.

Under Jaap’s leadership, we’re excited about the commitment and momentum towards becoming one of the great orchestras in the world, while developing programs in Dallas that cultivate classical music lovers and supporters of the future. Over the last 100 years, our orchestra has become a model for others. The music we create here reflects and impacts other communities, societies and cultures.

Diane and I feel the DSO is part of our own legacy. We are proud and honored to be involved in our modest way. There are many ways we’ve

chosen to support the Symphony over the years: subscribing, donating, and participating in the Symphony League and special events.

However, we believe that a planned gift to the Hans Kreissig Legacy Society has a long-term impact, ensuring the DSO thrives into the future. We recently updated our wills, adding a planned gift commitment to the Dallas Symphony Foundation, knowing that we’re supporting something important to us that will make life better for our kids!

Join us in making the DSO part of your legacy!

For more information, contact Christopher Minnes at 214.871.4079 or [email protected]

Hans Kreissig members Diane Buchanan and Rick Andrew while vacationing in the Scottish Highlands

Teen Ticket Challenge

Here’s the scenario: You’re a young professional in your twenties or thirties and have long had an interest in classical music. Maybe you’ve been to some concerts, but always felt a little bit out of place. You love the music, but want a group of peers to experience it with in a way that suits your desire to socialize, network, and learn. Look no further!

Vivaldi Patron Circle, the Dallas Symphony’s young professional

group, is the perfect way to connect with classical music and other like-minded peers. And there are a lot of them! This year alone, this exciting membership group has more than doubled in size and has held exclusive events in such venues as the Aloft Hotel, the Meyerson Symphony Center, and the W Hotel.

The Vivaldi Patron Circle is about having fun while experiencing some of the best music the world has to

offer. With memberships starting as low as $250, you can be a member of Vivaldi today!

For more information, contact Nick Weege at 214.871.4071 or [email protected] or visit our website at dallassymphony.com. You can also now find us on Facebook!

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As important as it is for orchestras to think about the needs of today’s audiences, the Dallas Symphony understands the need to keep classical music relevant for future generations. To ensure that teenagers in the Dallas area have the opportunity to witness the incomparable experience of a live classical concert, the Teen Ticket Challenge was created to expose young audiences to the Symphony, engage teens in a fun environment, and reward students for participation.

Here’s how it works: the Teen Ticket Challenge encompasses three concert

evenings throughout spring of 2010. Of the 700 middle and high schools participating, the one with the greatest total attendance from all three Teen Ticket Challenge concerts will win a DSO ensemble performance at their school. In addition to the performance, all performers have agreed to a special post-concert teen hangout.

In order to keep this great genre of music a part of our culture for years to come, it is critical that we provide the tools necessary to make it accessible and fun for students.

Don’t miss our final two concerts this season! On May 7, the teenage twin pianists Arthur and Lucas Jussen will perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 10 for Two Pianos. The following week, violin superstar Hilary Hahn will perform with the Dallas Symphony in the premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s Violin Concerto!

For more information or to purchase tickets, please call Katie Sejba at 214.871.4092 or email [email protected].

Dallas Symphony reaches new heights

The Dallas Symphony will “elevate its game” in Vail, Colorado this June during its residency at the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival.

The DSO will play six concerts over eight days, three of them under Music Director Jaap van Zweden. Guest Conductor Jeff Tyzik will lead two pops performances and a patriotic concert on July 4. All concerts take

place in the Ford Amphitheater, a stunning semi-enclosed venue 8,000 feet high in the Rocky Mountains.

This is the second consecutive season the DSO will be one of three featured orchestras at the festival. Other orchestras include the New York Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Maestro van Zweden opens the DSO residency June 30 with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg performing the Barber Violin Concerto (in observance of the composer’s centennial anniversary) and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. The concert begins with two fanfares: Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman and Aaron Copland’s Fanfare

for the Common Man.

On July 2, Mr. van Zweden conducts a program including Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp and Brahms’ Symphony #2. Mr. van Zweden’s July 7 concert includes Schoenberg’s Transfigured Night and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, with 80 members of the Dallas Symphony Chorus.

Mr. Tyzik, Principal Pops Conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic, will lead Pops concerts July 3 and 5, as well as a patriotic program on July 4.

Escape the sweltering Texas heat and join us in the mountains this summer!

Visit vailmusicfestival.org to order tickets.

Calling Young Professionals: the Vivaldi Patron Circle

Vivaldi Patron Circle members Nicholas and Karen Adamson at the Aloft Holiday Party

John and Stacey ReltonFrom left: Selena LaCroix, Seth Williams, Purvi Patel, and Peter McLarty

Young Strings Slam a SuccessFormerly known as the Young Strings Mentoring Workshop, the Young Strings Slam is an afternoon-long set of activities to engage children with classical music.

This year’s Slam started with an improvisation workshop, led by DSO

violist Tom Demer. Tom kicked the afternoon into high gear as he taught 40 students of varied degrees of experience a “jamming” scale to

emphasize the necessity for

versatility as a 21st century musician. By the end of the session, students were improvising their original melodies over blues accompaniments. On May 1st at the Meyerson Symphony Center, Tom will be offering a follow-up session, to follow up on their “jamming” progress. Dallas Symphony patrons are encouraged to attend this class at no charge.

The rest of the Slam was equally engaging. It started with a panel discussion on “The Pathway to Being a Professional Musician,” led by pianist Erik Barnes, DSO Principal 2nd Violin Angela Fuller, and Young Strings instructor Meghan Birmingham. They shared insight about how to prepare for a career in music, and what to expect along the way. This was followed by a video-

conference session, featuring bassist Aden Bubek, who performs with country music star Brad Paisley and was currently on tour with Miranda Lambert. Parents and children alike enjoyed hearing Aden’s stories about life as a touring pop musician.

The program ended with a discussion about “Serving the Community Through Music.” This panel, moderated by DSO Education Director Jamie Allen, Young Strings alumni Guadalupe Vargas and Richmond Punch, and DSO assistant librarian Melissa Rogers, touched on the importance of staying connected to your community as a musician.

For more information about attending the improvisation session, please contact Jamie Allen at [email protected] or 214.871.4019.

A Young Strings musician contemplates her cello before a performance

Picturesque view from a Vail mountaintop

Spring is a Little Greener at the Dallas SymphonyThe Dallas Symphony is pleased to announce the first issue of ApplauseOnline! Visit our website and read the latest news from the Dallas Symphony at any time. To reduce our environmental footprint, donors will receive ApplauseOnline its new electronic format beginning with our fall 2010 publication.

For those who prefer to continue receiving their behind-the-scenes Dallas Symphony news on paper, a print version will be available upon request. Simply fill out and return the information provided on the enclosed pledge form.

Now you can remain tuned in to the goings on at the Dallas Symphony, while the trees get to enjoy the spring weather!