Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presented $1.5 Million Check to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

(Featured photo: Dallas Symphony Orchestra Ross Perot President and CEO Michelle Miller Burns and 2025-2026 DSOL President Claire Catrino.)

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL) just wrapped up one of the most exciting, innovative, and successful seasons in its 80-year history, proudly raising more than $1.5 million net in support of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and its education and outreach initiatives, including Young Strings and Young Musicians.        

2025-2026 DSOL President Claire Catrino presented a milestone gift of more than $1.5 million to Dallas Symphony Orchestra Ross Perot President and CEO Michelle Miller Burns on behalf of the League, celebrating a season defined by innovation, momentum, fresh energy, and a whole lot of music inspired magic at the Meyerson. The check presentation reflected the excitement and emotion surrounding the season’s accomplishments, with the League membership rising for a standing ovation during the End of Year Awards Tea in recognition of this historic moment and the extraordinary collective effort behind it.      

This year, DSOL leaned fully into its mission by intentionally hosting its major fundraising events at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center whenever possible, allowing guests to experience firsthand the impact of the orchestra while proving that philanthropy paired with music, creativity, and community can be a pretty powerful combination.        

There were chandeliers, candlelight, couture, mah jongg tiles, dancing, champagne, orchestral inspiration, custom playlists, floral installations, standing ovations, and enough group texts and late-night planning sessions to qualify as a second full-time job for half the League. Claire led the group with a passion. A nonstop connector and idea generator whose “What if we tried this?” moments evolved into immersive experiences, revitalized traditions, and ambitious fundraising concepts thrived, energized the organization, and helped redefine modern philanthropy by bringing a new generation of families, members, and supporters into the mission of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.       

More than a few late nights were also spent wandering the Meyerson after hours making sure every floral arrangement, candle, lighting detail, and creative touch felt just right because when it came to creating memorable experiences, the little details mattered.         

The season reflected the energy of a League embracing fresh ideas, collaboration, and meaningful engagement across generations. New families became involved, longtime supporters remained deeply invested, and volunteers across every committee helped create momentum that will continue shaping the future of DSOL for years to come.        

Savor the Symphony set the tone for the season with a spectacular immersive experience at the Meyerson that blended fine dining, curated wines, candlelit ambiance, and musical storytelling into a fresh modern fundraising event that exceeded expectations and attracted new audiences to the symphony. Guests were immersed in a multi-sensory evening inspired by music and artistry, proving that symphony fundraising does not have to look traditional to deeply support tradition. The event’s creative direction and experiential approach earned DSOL international recognition with an Innovator Award at the Association of Major Symphony Orchestra Volunteers Conference in Ontario, Canada, where the League was recognized for forward thinking leadership in arts philanthropy and audience engagement.      

The Junior Symphony Ball delivered a record-breaking year nearing $600,000, continuing its legacy of cultivating the next generation of arts supporters while proving that Dallas families still know how to show up for tradition, philanthropy, and a really good party with purpose.        

The 40th Anniversary Presentation Ball brought renewed excitement and fresh perspective to one of Dallas’ most treasured traditions, engaging new families, strengthening cohesion throughout the League, and creating momentum that will continue for generations to come. The ruby anniversary celebration honored 44 debutantes and their families while blending timeless elegance with a modern energy that reflected the evolving future of DSOL.         

The League also launched its inaugural Winds and Wines mah jongg fundraiser this season, a first of its kind concept in Dallas Symphony Orchestra League history and one that few, if any, symphony leagues across the country have attempted on this scale. The sold-out event exceeded expectations while bringing together music, fellowship, creativity, and just enough competitive spirit to keep things interesting. The evening introduced an entirely new style of engagement to DSOL, attracting new members, expanding participation across generations, and proving that innovative fundraising ideas can successfully complement longstanding traditions.      

Fashion Notes closed the season in style and also exceeded expectations while celebrating the intersection of fashion, creativity, philanthropy, and the arts. Because if DSOL has learned anything after 80 years, it is that supporting the symphony and having impeccable taste can absolutely go hand in hand.     

The End of Year Tea served as a beautiful reminder that behind every successful event, sold out ballroom, sponsorship, floral arrangement, and standing ovation is an army of volunteers committed to service, friendship, and preserving the arts for future generations. The afternoon celebrated leadership, volunteerism, and the extraordinary collective effort that made this historic season possible.      

Special thanks to the honorary chairs, event chairs, committee members, volunteers, patrons, sponsors, and supporters whose dedication, generosity, and belief in the mission made this remarkable season possible. DSOL is deeply grateful for the collective spirit that continues to strengthen the organization year after year.        

Founded in 1946, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League is proud to be the largest symphony league in the world by both membership and fundraising and remains a steadfast partner to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through education, advocacy, volunteerism, and philanthropy for generations to come.        

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 senior 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 Young Strings and Kim Noltemy Young Musicians programs, which annually provide free instruments and instruction to 400 children primarily from Southern and East Dallas. Collectively, these programs have served more than 7,000 students and outpace similar youth programs with highly intensive training. Young Strings students have  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.

Photos by Danny Campbell

(Sharon Adams, Adams Communications Public Relations, is honored to represent the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s Savor the Symphony, Fashion Notes, and post this Philanthropy Lifestyles Scene courtesy DSOL.)