Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala will again dazzle audiences on Sept. 28. We caught up with co-chairs Laura Harris-Means and Patrick Means, who are chairing the spectacular soiree, to learn more about what to expect.
PHOTO BY TAMYTHA CAMERON
What drove you to dedicate your passions toward the DSO? LM: The arts need a boost. That is the bottom line. In a world where we see the arts cut in many ways, it’s a must to have people who lift them in any way possible. It’s also important to know that I am giving a hand up, not a handout. Helping students learn a craft like playing an instrument gives them a key to their future. Often, someone needs a little help to realize their dreams. That is what the DSO Gala helps to fund. Futures and dreams.
What are you most looking forward to for this fall season with the symphony? PM: The obvious choice is Lang Lang in concert on the night of the Gala! I have only heard amazing things about him. I also have my eye on A Lovesome Thing: Billy Strayhorn Suite in Nov. as a candidate to be a date night with Laura.
What can we expect for the gala? LM: You can expect a night of celebration for a purpose as we transport you to a night in New Orleans with the Soulful Symphony! We are thrilled to celebrate the students who have benefited from the DSO programs as they tell their stories through music. And we are beyond excited to celebrate the new people joining us, along with some familiar faces. Our continued push is to show people that the Dallas Symphony Orchestra is a place for everyone to see incredible talent. We are just thrilled to be a little part of that.
Can you expand more on DSO and how we, as a community, might be able to get involved? PM: Closing the gap for youth in Dallas who want to participate in orchestral music education – the Kim Noltemy Young Musicians and Young Strings programs do just that, and the money raised from the Gala supports their operation. So please consider purchasing a ticket to the Gala or donating directly to those programs.
Photography by: PHOTO BY TAMYTHA CAMERON
