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.

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.

DSO and The Concert Truck Schedule

From mid-November through mid-December, the DSO and The Concert Truck will present collaborative community concerts across the city, featuring musicians of the DSO and other arts organizations. Concerts will be held outdoors with audiences and performers able to maintain a safe distance while enjoying live performances.

The Concert Truck, founded in 2016 by concert pianists Susan Zhang and Nick Luby, is a mobile concert stage that brings classical chamber music directly to communities. The Concert Truck travels all over the United States performing alone and with other musicians to a variety of venues and audiences. While in Dallas, Susan and Nick will perform repertoire of their own and will collaborate with DSO Musicians. For more information, visit mydso.com.

DSO and The Concert Truck Schedule

Each concert will be 45-60 minutes long and free to attend. The Concert Truck pop-up concert schedule includes the following with more details to follow.

More dates and locations to be added including appearances at the Mexican Consulate, One Arts Plaza and the Dallas Arboretum. Artists and locations subject to change.

Susan Zhang and Nick Luby to perform at all events.

• Saturday, November 21 – The Potter’s House Church 
• Sunday, November 22 – The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza at 2:00PM 
• Monday, November 23 – Medical City Dallas Hospital at 6:30PM 
• Thursday, December 3 – Friday, December 4 – NorthPark Center at 6:00PM in the Neiman Marcus Garden 
• Saturday, December 5 – The Sound at Cypress Water at 3:00PM 
• Sunday, December 6 - NorthPark Center at 4:00PM in the Neiman Marcus Garden 
• Tuesday, December 8 – Booker T. Washington HSPVA at 3:30PM (with BTW Students) 
• Wednesday, December 9 – UT Southwestern Medical – Clements Hospital at 12:00PM 
• Wednesday, December 9 – Klyde Warren Park at 5:30PM
• Thursday, December 10 – HALL Arts Hotel – Urban Garden at 6:00PM 
• Friday, December 11 – Booker T. Washington HSPVA at 3:30PM (with BTW Students)
• Friday, December 11 – Klyde Warren Park at 6:00PM 
• Saturday, December 12 – Location TBC at 12:30PM
• Sunday, December 13 – The Nasher Sculpture Center at 12:00PM 
• Sunday, December 13 – Meyerson Symphony Center (on Flora Street) at 3:30PM
• Dallas Black Dance Theatre's DBDT: Encore! with Members of the DSO
• Monday, December 14 – Greiner Middle School at 10:30AM 
• Tuesday, December 15 – Eduardo Mata Elementary School at 9:00AM 
• Wednesday, December 16 – The Landon at Lake Highlands at 3:00 PM
• Thursday, December 17 – Methodist Hospital Dallas at 2:00PM 
• Thursday, December 17 – St. Paul United Methodist (with caroling) at 7:00PM
• Singers from St. Paul Choir with Members of the DSO
• Friday, December 18 – Trinity Basin Prep School, Ledbetter Campus 
• Friday, December 18 – Klyde Warren Park at 6:00PM

Dallas CASA's 40th Anniversary

 

Join Dallas CASA for a family-friendly event to celebrate Dallas CASA's 40th Anniversary!

Purchase a ticket here and receive a branded deck of playing cards and link to the show.

Sunday, November 15, 2020

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Champion of Children 40th Anniversary Underwriters

 

40th YEAR ANNIVERSARY CHAMPION

Pioneer Natural Resources

 

40th YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRANTS

Fran and Mark Berg Family

The Estate of Nancy and Rex Spivey

 

GOLD CELEBRANTS

Crest Cadillac / Crest INFINITI / Crest Volvo

The Hirsch Family Foundation

Linda and Rob Swartz

 

SILVER CELEBRANTS

Priscilla and Corey Anthony

LaValle family in memory of Rose McElroy

The Rosewood Foundation

In honor of Cindy Warner

Artists for Animals Concert - February 13th

Love music, art and animals? We've got the perfect Valentine's Day event for you. Join Erin Hannigan and other members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra with artists and musicians from all over Texas, to celebrate our love for animals and raise money for Operation Kindness, the oldest and largest no-kill animal shelter in north Texas.

 

Tickets include wine, beer, coffee and some amazing posh desserts -- and, of course, the concert and silent auction. Your Valentine will be so impressed!

Time is running out, so click here to order your tickets online today!

Operation Kindness Presents Artists for Animals - a Concert Fusion Experience

Join Operation Kindness for a special evening filled with music, photography and art. Guests are invited to sip wine and savor tasty treats while listening to musical performances by members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Southern Methodist University Oboe Studio — paired with an animal photography show by Teresa Berg. Guests will also enjoy a gallery of animal artwork created by students from Booker T. Washington, available for purchase in addition to a silent auction. All proceeds from this event will go toward the purchase of an offsite pet adoption trailer for Operation Kindness. For more information about this event, please visit www.OperationKindness.org.

TACA Gives Out Record $1.3M in Grants to North Texas PAOs in 2013

Ken Travis, past TACA board chairman and TravisWolff chairman of the board; Andy Teller, 2012 TACA board chairman and RBC Wealth Management; Becky Young, executive director and president of TACA; Nancy Carlson, 2013 TACA board chairwoman; Christopher Vo, special guest speaker, dancer, graduate of Booker T. Washington School for the Performing Arts and Juilliard School; Norm Bagwell, Bank of Texas chairman and CEO and presenting sponsor of the TACA Grant Awards.

Dallas' premier umbrella arts organization TACA, The Arts Community Alliance, had a banner year fundraising in 2012, allowing the organization to distribute $1.3 million to diverse and deserving North Texas performing arts organizations. Of that amount, $1.2 million was distributed on January 28 at the TACA Grant Awards Presentation, presented by Bank of Texas, at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre. Hosting the event was the AT&T Performing Arts Center. The additional $100,000 will be distributed later this year in June as part of the TACA Donna Wilhelm Family New Works Fund.

"Bravo to all those who supported TACA, who attended one of our events, who support the performing arts by attending a play, a performance, a musical and more," said Nancy Carlson, Chair of TACA's Board of Directors.

In 2013, TACA's grants awarded will help support more than 5,073 performances that approximately 1.4 million people will attend. Ranging from $5,000 to $110,000, TACA grants are being awarded to a varied group of North Texas' performing arts organizations, from the very large and established to the newly emerging.

New organizations being funded this year are AT&T Performing Arts Center, Bruce Wood Dance Project, Lone Star Circus Arts Center, Nasher Sculpture Center, New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving, and Plano Symphony Orchestra.

2013 TACA Grant Award Recipients:

$5,000

New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving

One Thirty Productions Matinee Series

$7,500

Plano Symphony Orchestra

Sammons Center for the Arts

$8,000

Irving Chorale

Lone Star Wind Orchestra

Teatro Dallas

$10,000

AT&T Performing Arts Center

Dallas Bach Society

Dallas Museum of Art

Lone Star Circus Arts Center

Meadows School of the Arts, SMU
Nasher Sculpture Center

Uptown Players

Voices of Change

$12,000

Cara Mia Theatre Company

Chamber Music International

Echo Theatre

Orchestra of New Spain

Turtle Creek Chorale

$15,000

African American Repertory Theater

$17,500

Bruce Wood Dance Project

Second Thought Theatre

$20,500

Orpheus Chamber Singers

$25,000

Fine Arts Chamber Players

$27,500

Undermain Theatre

$32,000

Children's Chorus of Greater Dallas

$34,000

Junior Players

$35,000

Dallas Wind Symphony

Shakespeare Dallas

Theatre Three, Inc.

$40,000

Kitchen Dog Theater

Lyric Stage

TITAS

WaterTower Theatre

$42,000

Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra

$60,000

Texas Ballet Theater

$70,000

Dallas Black Dance Theatre

$75,000

Dallas Children's Theater

$100,000

Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Theater Center

$110,000

Dallas Opera

A special thanks to the sponsors and supporters, especially ALON USA, Communities Foundation of Texas, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Diane and Harold Brierley, Nancy and Clint Carlson, Ann and Lee Hobson, Lexus, RBC Wealth Management, RBMM, Peggy and Carl Sewell, Sewell Automotive Companies.

An Evening for Dog Lovers

Join Teresa Berg Photography on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, for live classical music from Oboist Erin Hannigan & friends from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in the beautiful intimate setting of Event 1013 in old downtown Plano. The concert is a live fusion of music and fine art photography -- celebrating what else? Dogs!

Tickets can be purchased here: www.doglovers.eventbrite.com

Each ticket includes the concert, silent auction, wine & dessert. Proceeds go to Paws In the City, a 501(c)3 dedicated to saving homeless animals in the Dallas area.

Ebby Halliday 100th Birthday Celebration

Each and every birthday should be special, but a 100th birthday celebration should be an extravaganza, and that is exactly what is going to take place for Ebby Halliday's big century party!

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is pleased to announce Ebby 100, the Ebby Halliday 100th Birthday Celebration benefiting this wonderful cause.

Halliday is not only a savvy businesswoman, but a volunteer extraordinaire in the Dallas community, yet her devotion seems to have no borders, nor does she lack youthfulness and giving. She stands by a quote said by her late-husband, which explains a lot about her character, "Do something for someone every day." That she does...

Come join in the festivities that the Steering Committee, led by Honorary Chairs President & Mrs. George W. Bush and Event Chairs Steve & Barb Durham, have worked tediously on with a solid committee for a night full of excitement!

The revelry includes a cocktail reception, fabulous seated dinner, a Dallas Symphony Orchestra concert with guest artist Mario Frangoulis, followed by a lavish dessert reception. The whole time, paying tribute to the lady of the evening.

The concert, honoring Ms. Halliday will provide college scholarships for Texas students administered by the Horatio Alger Association. Since 1984 they have helped their "heroes" of the future with over 70 million in scholarships.

What a fun sounding evening, so be sure to save-the-date! It will surely be a beautiful equivalent for an outstanding lady who has devoted so much to local community and beyond. This certainly will be an event you do not want to miss.

WHAT: Ebby Halliday 100th Birthday Celebration Benefiting The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 9, 2011, 5:00 PM. Please CLICK HERE to purchase tickets and for additional ticket information.

WHERE: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center 2301 Flora Dallas, Texas 75201.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Email: ebby100@fanfares.com / Phone: 800.498.0843

2010 DSO AT&T Gala After-Party

Start your evening with great cocktails, a delicious dinner and an amazing concert led by Jaap van Zweden, Music Director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and special guest, internationally-acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Kahane. Now you might think that once the beautiful concert concludes, so too will the evening, yet Honorary After-Party Chair Anna-Sophia van Zweden has a different idea...

There will be two distinctive parties for everyone to celebrate after the Gala designed by Todd. Star Bar Number One will be led by the amazing DJ Lucy where everyone can let loose while enjoying specialty cocktails and savories. Star Bar Number Two will be a wonderful piano bar with music by Goga, where you can relax while drinking Scotch and sampling gourmet chocolate. How does one choose? Seems like a fun, win-win situation for all!

WHO: Dallas Symphony Orchestra

WHAT: 2010 DSO AT&T Gala After Party

WHEN: September 11, 2010 10:30 PM

WHERE: The Morton H. Meyerson Symphomy Center 2301 Flora Street, Dallas, Texas

RESERVATIONS: http://dallassymphony.com/2010galaafterparty or 214.692.0203

2010 Dallas Symphony Orchestra AT&T Gala

A night full of entertainment awaits you. Please come and join the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) for their largest fundraiser, this year themed "Of Life and Love." The 2010 DSO AT&T Gala will be presenting world-renowned pianist, Jeffrey Kahane as this years star. Jaap van Zweden will lead the DSO in Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, Eroica and Kahane in Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4. The music will be breathtaking.

This event has it all: luxurious cocktail party and hors d'oeuvres, scrumptious dinner, a concert that will be nothing shy of extraordinaire, followed by a spectacular after-party. Need we say more...

WHO: Dallas Symphony Orchestra

WHAT: 2010 Dallas Symphony Orchestra AT&T Gala. CLICK HERE for underwriting, ticket purchases and sponsorship opportunities.

WHEN: Saturday, September 11, 2010 -- Concert begins at 8:15 p.m.

WHERE: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center 2301 Flora Street, Dallas, Texas

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 214.692.0203 or customerservice@dalsym.com

The Limelight: Elan Circle

Elan Circle, an auxiliary organization of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League, promotes the interests of the Dallas Symphony Association through education, fundraising activities and service.

By definition, "Elan": (1. Enthusiastic vigor and liveliness 2. Distinctive style or flair), which meaning can be seen through all of their endeavors. The members of Elan Circle provide service to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) with a variety of social and educational programs, community service, as well as direct contributions of their time with the DSO Season Ticket Renewal Campaign, Symphony YES, Youth Concerts and so much more.

The Elan Circle provides an enjoyable, stylish, social environment that allows members opportunities for musical enrichment, meeting new friends, connecting with old friends, and participating in a variety of engaging activities.

Their annual Savor the Symphony fundraiser is an event not to be missed. Founded in 2000, Savor the Symphony is a black tie event that brings together business and community leaders with the goal of raising money for the educational and outreach programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Over the past decade, Savor the Symphony has raised more than $950,000. Without support, many children in our community would never be able to experience the joy of symphonic music. The cornerstone of the event is an exceptional five-course, wine-paired dinner, followed by raffle, cork pull, luxury live and silent auctions as well as fabulous entertainment. Definitely a must on your social calendar!

The Elan Circle also hosts Fireside Chats which introduce guest artists and conductors of the DSO. Hosted at some of the most gorgeous homes in Dallas, Fireside Chats make for a fun evening among friends, along with the chance to listen and meet prominent individuals of the DSO. What is not to benefit from this great organization?

For more information please contact: Jennifer Knapek, VP of Membership at jknapek@winsted.com or 214.745.5230 or go to http://www.elancircle.com/. There is also a very informative video which can be viewed: http://beyondld.com/events/social/promotional-video-social-events/savor-the-symphony

Savor the Symhony Benefiting the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

“Savor the Symphony” on Saturday, April 10 at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek for a cocktail reception followed by a five-course dinner paired with wines. Chairmen Jennifer Lott Smit and Jamie Singer have created a fun and fabulous evening that includes a Live and Silent Auction, a Cork Pull, a Raffle and dancing to the Hunter Sullivan Band. For this special tenth anniversary black-tie event, Diane and Hal Brierley are the Honorary Chairmen.

Over 150 wines will be available in the Cork Pull for $25. An engraver will also be on-hand to engrave the pulled wine bottle which will make it a wonderful keepsake!

In addition, there are four raffle prizes available. Tickets are $30 each or four for $100 and you do not need to be present to win. The four packages are:
- Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek Package for two - includes a one-night stay, a bottle of champagne in-room or two specialty cocktails in the Mansion Bar and a three-course dinner in the restaurant. Donated by the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Value $425.
- Dallas Symphony Orchestra Summer Casual Series Tickets – Subscription for four seats in the Orchestra Terrace for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Summer Casual Concert Series. Donated by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Value $600.
- Michele Ladies Deco Diamond Dial Watch with Scarlet Patent Leather Strap - twelve sparkling diamonds mark the hours on this Deco Day timepiece. Swiss chronograph movement along with signature Michele touches completes the look. The scarlet patent leather strap is interchangeable with any 18mm Michele strap. Donated by Kristin and Jeff Baker. Value $765.
- Private Wine Tour and Tasting at the Messina Hof Winery and Resort in Texas for 20 guests – includes ground transportation, lunch and private tour. Round-trip air transportation for two also included. Donated by Messina Hof and Mark Ruff. Value $1,750.

Savor The Symphony is one of the signature fundraisers of the Élan Circle, the women’s under 45 auxiliary group for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Led by President Jennifer Tobin, the Élan Circle, offers members a chance to participate in a variety of community service, educational and social programs for the DSO. For more information on membership, please visit www.elancircle.com. Proceeds from Savor The Symphony benefit the Dallas Symphony Association and its Education & Community Engagement Programs.

Individual tickets are $250 each. Sponsorships are available from $20,000 to $1,000. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Jennifer.smit@clubmarketing.com or Jamie Singer at Jamie.m.singer@gmail.com.

Symphonic Celebration

The 2009 Dallas Symphony Orchestra AT&T Gala is celebrating its 20th Anniversary on Saturday the 12th of September, 2009. This years amazing Gala Chairs, Barbara and Steve Durham, have put together an amazing partnership of honorees. Temerlin McClain co-founder, Liener Temerlin, and his charming wife Karla are the honorary chairs and the esteemed Van Cliburn is the honoroary Gala Artist. The Gala is dedicated to the great "Meyerson Legends" including Margo and Ross Perot, Margaret McDermott, Morton H. Meyerson and the late Annette Strauss among others. There are the people who made the Meyerson Symphony Center come to life. Word at the Meyerson is that the beautiful Anna-Sophia van Zweden is the honorary chair for the after-party! To reserve tickets call 214-871-4065 or dso-gala@dalsym.com. To check out the Fall Season of Performances at the Symphony visit www.DallasSymphony.com.