Junior Symphony Ball Kickin’ It In Dallas, Shatters Records at Gilley’s

The 2026 Junior Symphony Ball (JSB) once again lived up to its reputation as a “party with a purpose” as it shattered records, raising $593,500 to benefit the music education programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. It’s one of the most anticipated events for high school students across the metroplex.

On January 31, Gilley’s Dallas was transformed into an electrifying hub of music, dancing, and entertainment as over 3,000 sophomores, juniors, and seniors from over 35 schools came together for a sold-out celebration—marking the largest turnout in JSB history. The Steering Committee was comprised of more than 1000 students.

Now in its 68th year, the Junior Symphony Ball remains the longest-running fundraiser of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL). It continues to support vital youth programs including Young Strings and Young Musicians. True to its founding vision of “student-led, parent-guided” leadership, JSB has grown from a small gathering of local schools into one of Dallas’s most anticipated youth events—while staying true to its core mission of advancing music education and community engagement.

Front Row: Clara Erwin, Michelle Miller Burns, DSO Ross Perot President & CEO; Claire Catrino, DSOL President; Mary Bradley Sutherland, Meghan Jackson.
Back Row: Jack Sumner, Teige Mitchell, Michael Woram.
Photo by Deborah Brown

The lineup of the 2026 Co-Chairs represents schools across Dallas: Clara Erwin (Highland Park High School), Lucy Galbraith (Ursuline Academy), Meghan Jackson (Parish Episcopal School), Teige Mitchell (Jesuit College Preparatory of Dallas), Peter Rubi (St. Mark's  School of Texas), Brooks Strey (Bishop Lynch High School), Jack Sumner (Highland Park High School), Mary Bradley Sutherland (The Hockaday School), Michael Woram (Jesuit College Preparatory of Dallas), and Stella Wynne (The Episcopal School of Dallas).

Their supportive and proud moms are: Dansby Erwin, Lauren Sutherland, Michelene Galbraith, Alyson Jackson, Kristin Mitchell, Tiffany Rubi, Courtenay Strey, Kelsie Sumner, Dana Woram, and Tia Wynne.

Sponsors included Nightly, Mister Tuxedo, Carol Vig Photography, and Bluejack National.

2026 Fashion Notes Luncheon and Style Show

 

Please join Honorary Co-Chairs, William and Anne Seanor, at the 12th anniversary of the Fashion Notes Luncheon and Style Show. 

April 29, 2026

10:30 am to 1:30 pm

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

The morning begins with a fashion show and raffle followed by a luncheon. Stunning mother and children fashions will be modeled by members of the DSO Family. 

Co-chairs Meredith, Amy, Anne (honorary chair), and Elizabeth

Proceeds from this event benefit the Dallas Symphony Association's Education and Outreach programs, including Young Strings and Young Musicians, which provide free instruments and free music lessons to children in the Dallas community.

This year’s Fashion Notes Designer Award Recipient is Mackenzie Brittingham. 

Fashion Notes Design Award Recipient: Mackenzie Brittingham

A true Dallasite, born and raised in Highland Park, Mackenzie Brittingham has held a lifelong passion for the arts and fashion. She established her brand in the spring of 2016, bringing couture bridal fashion to future brides with a refined and highly personalized approach.

After more than a decade at Stanley Korshak Bridal, Mackenzie expanded into her own private atelier — an evolution of her brand that allows for a more intimate, design-driven experience. While growing her independent space, she continues to work closely with custom clients at Stanley Korshak, maintaining the longstanding relationships and elevated level of service that have defined her career.

Mackenzie specializes in luxury evening wear, designing custom gowns for mothers of the bride and groom, debutantes, and distinguished socialites. In 2018, she launched her Fur Collection. Her latest endeavor is her collection of exotic handbags. Designed with the same couture mindset, each handbag is meticulously crafted with exceptional materials and attention to detail.

https://www.mackenziebrittingham.com/

https://dallassymphonyleague.com/Fashion-Notes

 

Savor the Symphony benefits the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League

Savor the Symphony: A Candlelight Tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein

Presented by The Compass School of Texas

Thursday, November 6, 2025

6pm Cocktail Reception

7pm Dinner and Program

The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

A Candlelight Tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein will celebrate one of the greatest melodic and lyrical partnerships of all time with both a string and piano performance to capture the magnificent music of a generation.  Guests will be treated to a cocktail reception, live auction, and a candlelit seated dinner while enjoying the musicians who will be performing amidst the glow of over three thousand candles.  This will be an enchanted evening not to be missed.

Since the founding of Savor the Symphony in the fall of 2000, the event has raised more than a million dollars benefiting the DSO Education and Outreach programs. 

 https://www.dallassymphonyleague.com/Savor-the-Symphony

Savor Chairs and President:
Reagan Pace, co-chair; Claire Catrino, president, DSOL;
Sheridan Reeder, co-chair; Sunie Solomon, co-chair.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Unveils 2026 Debutantes at 40th Annual Presentation Ball Announcement Weekend

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL) set the stage for an unforgettable season as they proudly introduced the 2026 debutantes during a week-long series of events, starting with the announcement of this year’s Debutantes at a party on May 15. Events continued with a Deb and Honor Guard Family dinner at the historic downtown El Fenix, a couture gown showcase hosted by Stanley Korshak at their luxurious Bridal Salon, and a gown presentation at Neiman Marcus Downtown. The series of events officially kicked off the season that will culminate in the much anticipated 40th Annual Presentation Ball, scheduled for February 21, 2026, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. 

2026 Debutantes
Photo by Gittings

Presentation Ball Co-Chairs Maggie Kipp and Kristin Hallam, along with DSOL President Claire Catrino, orchestrated the week’s events. Claire is a former debutante who made her debut in 2011 and has been a part of the ball’s planning and organization since that time.  

Co-Chairs Maggie Kipp and Kristin Hallam with DSOL President Claire Catrino
Photo by Deborah Brown

“It is an honor to serve as President for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League,” said Claire. “Our debutantes and their families will enjoy many wonderful events, make new friends and have one-of-a-kind experiences all while supporting the outstanding education and outreach programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.  

Meredith Burkhart, Ryan Brown, Margaret Thompson, Ellie Browne, Olivia Zambrano, Elena Zeballos
Photo by Gittings

Kristin Hallam proudly announced that her in-laws, Fanchon and Howard Hallam, will serve as the Honorary Chairs. The Hallams have a longstanding and meaningful connection to the Dallas Symphony. Howard served for many years on the Board of Governors of the Dallas Symphony Association, including a term as Chairman.  Their leadership gift was pivotal in launching the Kim Noltemy Young Musicians program – one of the initiatives supported by the Ball – and they have generously endowed the DSO Co-Concertmaster Chair. 

The year will be one with many milestones reached: the DSOL will celebrate its 80th anniversary, the Presentation Ball is entering its 40th year, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will turn 125 years old.

The formal announcement of Debutantes by Master of Ceremonies Stan Gardner went flawlessly. Marena Gault and members of the Assembly, a group of former Debutantes, played a pivotal role behind the scenes coaching the Debutantes and Honor Guard for a smooth presentation.

Stella Grabham, Ashley Goldman, Gigi Enrico, Kate Eastin
Photo by Gittings

Notable attendees for the evening included Michelle Miller Burns, Ross Perot President and CEO of the DSO; Roger Gault, Chairman of the Board of Governors; Diane and Scott Sealy; The Honorable Clay and Ramsey Jenkins; and Denton Bricker.   

Also present was longtime League member Barbara Paschall Averitt who has been a dedicated and influential figure in the Presentation Ball since its inception in 1987. She has continuously contributed to the event, including serving as co-chair for the 2025 Presentation Ball. 

Introducing the 2026 Debutantes: Claire Francis Andrews, Madeline Grace Behrens, Claire Louise Bradshaw, Ryan EllaMarie Brown, Eleanor Baxter Browne, Meredith Lilly Burkhart, Catherine Sophia Cox, Larkin McKay Devening, Marbella Mora Duarte, Sophie Elizabeth Dybala, Kathryne Grace Eastin, Gisele MaryRose Enrico, Ashley Shannon Goldman, Stella Jane Grabham, MaKenna Loy Harvey, Elizabeth Ann Hautt, Jane Penny Hochman, Madeleine Christine Jenkins, Livia Grace Lange, Charlotte Bryant Lauten, Sue Sealy McGowin, Attales Grace Meyer, Elizabeth Catherine Nance, Madelyn Leigh Neuhoff, Carly Nicole Polka, Chloe Olivia Polka, Rachel Camille Rader, Sofia Marie Reyes, Marlo Elizabeth Rivas, Campbell Ann Schultz, Kathleen Brooks Searcy, Lindy Kate Smith, Sienna Alexis Stagen, Tessa Elizabeth Stephenson, Charlotte Spencer Stiles, Harper Catherine Tagg, Margaret Lee Thompson, Corinne Elizabeth Tinker, Georgia Bedell Williamson, Virginia Anne Wilson, Olivia Constance Zambrano, and Elena Catherine Zeballos.  

The presentation of these remarkable young women highlights the values and support instilled by their families and mentors. Their achievements and character are a testament to the collective effort of their loved ones, shaping them into the exemplary individuals they are today.

A Night of Grace and Giving: The 2025 DSOL Debutantes Shine Bright

In a show of elegance and holiday splendor, the 2025 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League debutantes took center stage at a cocktail reception and seated dinner on November 27, 2024, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

Guided by the gracious DSOL President Dixey Arterburn, the debutantes, their esteemed honor guards, and families were welcomed to this cherished tradition.

Kaylie Hudnall, Natalie Brooke Newton, Harper Knight, Grace Morrison
Photo by Gittings

The evening unfolded under the expert direction of Presentation Ball Co-Chairs Ginger Sager and Barbara Averitt, who introduced Stan Gardner as emcee. With his hallmark charm, Stan presented each of the 44 debutantes who gracefully took the stage and was joined by an honor guard escort for the presentation. Each young woman received a thoughtful gift from Eiseman Jewels NorthPark. The presentation was followed by a seated dinner.

Honorary Chairs Shirley and Bill McIntyre were unable to attend. Nikki Beneke was the event chair.

Caroline Petrikas, Grace Hoverman, Julia Montgomery, Ava Tribolet
Photo by Gittings

The evening was the start of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend which included a mixer for the debs and honor guard, as well as a Bow Boot Camp for the debs.

During the Christmas Holidays, the debs will return for another busy schedule of parties and bow practice. All the many events will culminate with the 39th Presentation Ball which will be held on February 15, 2025.

Families with rich DSOL traditions added a layer of legacy to the event, including second debutantes from the Cy Barcus, Joel Ciarochi, Garner Newton, Julian Potter, and Taylor Stone families. Meanwhile, the Patrick Tribolet family celebrated their third daughter's debut, a testament to the timelessness of this grand occasion.

Esteemed guests included Linda Burk and John Gilmore, Katherine and Key Coker, Janie and David Condon, and Jennifer and Todd Olson, among others.   

The 2025 Debutantes are:

Brooke Barcus, Brooke Makenna Barnes Lauren Brown, Alexa Grabow, Abby Carlisle, Sara Cashion, Sara Cavey, Olivia Barber, Elle Chavis, Rebecca Ciarochi, Olivia Coker, Isabelle Eggart, Annabel Everitt, Finley Galvin, Eliana Lourdes Garcia, Sophie Goelzer, Elizabeth Goelzer, Camille Gravel, Katherine Hess, Grace Hoverman,  Sydney Hoyl, Madeleine Hubach, Kaylie Hudnall, Harper Knight,  Ella-Rose Levy, Lily Lynch, Ivy Mazzucchi, Julia Montgomery, Grace Cathryn Morrison, Natalie  Brooke Newton,  Anne Blanche Peacock,  Ava Perpall, Caroline Petrikas, Ellie Porray, Vivian Potter, Alexandra Sargis, Grace Schlafer, Hannah Jackson, Maddy Grace Sporl, Mary Stone, Ava Tribolet, Natalie Van Arsdale, Samantha Ward, and Annabeth Winn.

The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. This annual celebration, dreamed of by visionary Tincy Miller, has become a cornerstone of the DSOL's mission.

Elle Chavis, Samantha Ward, Annabel Everitt, Ellie Porray
Photo by Gittings

Since its inception in 1946, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League has embraced the mission to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education, and fundraising, contributing over $23 million to outreach and education programs.

Natalie Van Arsdale, Brooke Makenna Barnes, Finley Galvin, Rebecca Ciarochi, Ava Perpall
Photo by Gittings

In the grand symphony of philanthropy and tradition, the 2025 DSOL Presentation Ball will be a celebration of legacy, elegance, and the enduring spirit of giving.

10th Annual Fashion Notes Designer Award Luncheon and Style Show

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League invites you to join in the celebration of music and fashion at the 10th annual Fashion Notes Designer Award Luncheon and Style Show on Thursday,  October 12, 2023 at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Jada Mowles and Laura Price are the event chairs for the luncheon. Nancy Labadie is the DSOL President.

 

The Honorary Chairs for the event are Karen Cox and her daughter, Isabella Cox, longtime supporters of the Dallas Symphony. Karen is a former Fashion Notes Chair, and Isabella was a Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Debutante in 2020.

 

The Fashion Notes Designer Award 2023 will be presented to Catalina Gonzalez of Dondolo, a luxury children and woman lifestyle brand. The talented designer and her beautiful lifestyle brand will be celebrated.

 The morning will begin at 10:30 with a fashion show followed by lunch and a raffle. Fall fashions from LoveShackFancy, Dondolo, accessories by Milliard Diamond Concierge and boots by Petite Paloma will be featured. The fashion show will be produced by Robyn Chauvin Productions. PaperCity is the digital and print luxury lifestyle media sponsor.

 

Through this event, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League strives to raise funds that support the love of music and arts for thousands of young people in the Dallas community. Funds raised help provide quality outreach and educational programs that light the way for talented local musicians. A musical performance by a Young Strings musician will be a highlight of the event.

 

Sponsorship tables are $15,000, $10,000, $5,000, $3000. Single Tickets are available at $500 (Patron Level) and $300. Tickets are available on the website: www.dallassymphonyleague.com