RSVP Calendar: Dallas Symphony Orchestra Vivaldi Patron Circle Young Professionals Celebrate 4th Annual Mid-Winter’s Evening

DSO’s Young Professionals Group hosts evening at Stay ZaZa Art House and Gallery

Stay ZaZa Art House and Social Gallery was the place to be for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO) Vivaldi Patron Circle 4th Annual Mid-Winter’s Evening on January 9, 2013. Guests braved rain and wintry skies to enjoy a warm evening of fun, food, and conversation featuring Dallas Symphony guest virtuoso Nicola Benedetti.

Joining the festivities were Vivaldi Honorary Chairs Kimberly and Justin Whitman; Myrna and Robert Schlegel; Haylee Dallas; Lloyd and Amanda Ward; Jose Reyes; Sal Jafar; Amy Espinosa; Clayton Floyd; and 60 other DSO supporters of Dallas’ fashionable fete set.

Against Stay ZaZa Art House and Social Gallery’s hip décor of working traffic signals, antique electric signs and wall-hung vinyl records and classic album covers, Nick Weege, DSO’s Senior Manager of Donor Advancement, introduced the evening’s entertainment, a moderated discussion with 25-year-old Scottish superstar violinist Nicola Benedetti. Aldert Vermeulen, the Dallas Symphony’s Director of Artistic Planning, quizzed the poised and beautiful soloist about her musical career; why she loves to perform beloved violin concertos; the importance of classical music in today’s society; and her thrill and honor of being appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2013 New Year Honors.

Following the lively discussion, Vivaldi Honorary Chairs Kimberly and Justin Whitman were introduced and prizes were given away to guests, including a special evening at Hotel ZaZa; a CD copy of Benedetti’s new album, Silver Violin (Decca Classics), to be released February 19; and one pair of tickets to Benedetti Plays Tchaikovsky with the DSO.

Guests also received a small gift from CultureMap, the official media sponsor of the Vivaldi Patron Circle’s Mid-Winter’s Evening.

About the DSO Vivaldi Patron Circle

A network of exciting and arts-minded young professionals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, Vivaldi Patrons enjoy a variety of unique opportunities and private events throughout the year; pre and post-concert happy hours; and special opportunities to engage with Dallas Symphony Orchestra musicians, guest artists, and artistic leaders.