The Morton H. Meyerson is celebrating its 30th year of making beautiful music. Its creation as a “world-class hall” was the result of talented designers and dedicated philanthropists. Leading the philanthropic charge was Ross Perot Sr., who provided a hunk of change — a total of $14M to be exact. But this lead gift came with a stipulation and that was the naming rights. While many would have expected the request to result in the Perot Symphony Center, it wasn’t. Instead Ross chose to honor his friend and colleague Morton H. Meyerson, “by naming the building for Meyerson, who chaired the original building committee and was instrumental in making the Center a reality.”
Fast forward to the present: Following Ross’ death this past July, the Perot family and the Dallas Symphony Association agreed to honor Ross by naming of its CEO position after Ross. It made perfect sense, since he had been a visionary and leader.
According to Dallas Symphony Association Board of Governors Chair Sanjiv Yajnik, “Ross Perot was an icon of business and philanthropy in Dallas. His foresight to invest in our arts culture has been a catalyst for growing our vibrant community. It’s fitting that we can honor his contributions through the naming of this leadership role at the DSO.”
Current Ross Perot President/CEO Kim Noltemy responded to the announcement at Thursday’s concert: “I am privileged to have known Ross. The Perot family’s graciousness and spirit welcomed me to Dallas over a year ago, and their decades of generosity and support have made the DSO the organization it is today. I stand on this stage that they helped to build, and I am humbled by its magnificence. I am honored to hold the title named for Ross.”
* Photo provided by Dallas Symphony Association