Savor the Symphony Featured 3,000+ Candles and a Tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein
(Featured photo: Sheridan Reeder, co-chair; Sunie Solomon, co-chair; Claire Catrino, president, DSOL; Reagan Pace, co-chair.)
The 25th Anniversary of Savor the Symphony A Candlelight Tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein gala was presented by The Compass School of Texas on a beautiful evening at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
The weather was perfect for the al fresco cocktail reception as strings of soft lights glowed overhead at the Shirley and Bill McIntyre Park and a duo of musicians from the Young Strings Alumni played. Servers passed hors d’oeuvres and wines from sponsor Adair Family Wines, all in celebration of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL), which is celebrating its 80th Anniversary and its beneficiary, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO), celebrating its 125th Anniversary.
Joining chairs Reagan Pace, Sheridan Reeder and Sunie Solomon, were honorary chairs Laurie Sands Harrison and her daughters Caroline Harrison Loehr, Francis Brito Harrison, Bailey Harrison; Michelle Miller Burns, Ross Perot President and CEO, DSO; Claire Catrino, President of DSOL and her husband, Michael; Marena and Roger Gault, Nancy and Paul Labadie, Todd and Jennifer Olson, Lori and Keith Routh, and more.
In the main hall, it was a breathtaking sight as the staircases leading up to the stage were literally filled to the edges with over 3,000 softly lit flickering candles lined along the tops of the dividers and down the pathways outside. Tables were topped with elegant white cloths, gold-rimmed chargers, formal silver service, candles and simply elegant red florals.
Luke Lange, emcee and host, welcomed the crowd and introduced DSOL President Claire Catrino. Claire thanked everyone saying the involvement of volunteers along with community and business leaders are crucial key elements contributing to the success of the League and its mission in support of the DSO and its Community Education and Outreach Programs. She also graciously thanked the volunteers and board members for their service.
Dallas Symphony Ross Perot President and CEO, Michelle Miller Burns said, “The funds raised through Savor the Symphony make a direct and profound impact, supporting the DSO’s music education and community engagement programs that reach thousands of children and families each year. Through numerous initiatives, including Youth Concerts, Parks Concerts, DSO Cares, Young Strings, and Young Musicians, music becomes more than notes on a page, it becomes a collaborative, communal experience that opens up a world of possibility.”
As the chairs took the stage, Sheridan thanked the honorary chairs saying, “Their steadfast generosity and vision have helped strengthen the Dallas arts community while expanding access and opportunity for underserved audiences.”
Reagan thanked presenting sponsor, The Compass School of Texas, saying, “This evening is about more than just music, it is about the power of the arts to bring us together to inspire and to create opportunities that transform lives. In that spirit, we are delighted to share a special gift of gratitude with you tonight. We are deeply grateful to our presenting sponsor, The Compass School of Texas, whose students remind us daily of the joy of learning and the importance of nurturing creativity.” The remarks were followed by a short video highlighting the school’s motto and mission.
Expressing heartfelt thanks to wine sponsor, Adair Family Wines, Sunie said their generosity has helped make tonight possible. She introduced Robin Akhurst, Director of Winemaking,who gave an overview of the Family Wines and the wines paired with this evening’s three-course dinner.
Introducing tonight’s featured musicians from the DSO, Luke said to stay tuned as they delighted the audience with Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes and everyone chatted with guests and enjoyed dinner.
The very competitive live auction featured items such as white gold diamond earrings from Bachedorf’s; a Knife Italian Steak dinner with Chef John Tesar; a stay at the St. Regis Residence Club in Aspen; an Argentina dove hunt for 4 hunters from Pointer Wingshooting; a Luxury Case of Wine from Caymus Vineyards, Sea Smoke, Jordan and Sloan Estate and an autographed Fender acoustic guitar was followed by an active paddle raise.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and its youth education and community engagement programs. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL) has raised more than $25 million in support of the DSO. For more information visit https://www.dallassymphonyleague.com/Savor-the-Symphony
Funds raised by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League support transformative DSO programs, including:
- The Cecil and Ida Green Youth Concert Series, which introduces Dallas youth to the inspiring world of classical music through accessible concerts at the Meyerson. Each year, more than 10,000 children participate in these experiences.
- DSO Cares, which brings the wellness benefits of music to seniors in living facilities, hospitals, community centers and more. Each performance showcases a chamber ensemble of DSO musicians that is free for attendees and community partners.
- The Kim Noltemy Young Musicians and Young Strings programs, which annually provide free instruments and instruction to 400 children primarily from Southern and East Dallas. Collectively, these programs have served more than 6,800 students and outpace similar youth programs with highly intensive training and a 100% high school graduation and college acceptance rate.
- Bach’s Lunch, an ongoing adult education series of free, informal talks designed to connect music lovers through a shared passion for classical music.
About Compass School of Texas:
Our vision is to inspire students to be creative and confident leaders of tomorrow. The Compass School of Texas equips students with a strong academic foundation that fosters analytical thinking, instills the joy of learning in a wholesome environment, and inspires the pursuit of purpose. Visit the website at www.Compassschooltx.org
*Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio
(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League and these special events, Savor the Symphony and Fashion Notes, and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene.)
