Unlike in years past, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala reveal did not take place at the Meyerson Symphony Center with a healthy handful of folks in attendance. Instead, 2022 DSO Gala Co-Chairs Donna and Herb Weitzman held the unveiling before a large group of guests in the backyard of their home in University Park’s Volk Estates on Tuesday, September 13.
The group including Venise Stuart, Therese Rourke, Natalie Taylor, 2021 Gala Co-Chairs Andy Smith and Paul von Wupperfeld, Jacqueline and William Stavi-Raines and Erin Hannigan and Fred Tuomi was so large, in fact, there was a vehicle backup along Lovers Lane that forced some attendees to park elsewhere and hoof it to the grounds.
Once arrived, it was apparent the Weitzmans’ picturesque backyard looked a little different that it usually does. In addition to towering ostrich plumes on high-top tables, there was a setting on the far side of the pool complete with dark brown velvet couch, easy chairs with oversized pillows and geometrical tables. The additions, it turned out, were provided by Todd Events, which would be in charge of the annual DSO fundraiser at the Meyerson on Saturday, October 1.
Once Donna took over the mic on the backyard terrace, with a “shy” and smiling Herb at her side, guests realized that Todd’s couches and tables were all part of the Gala’s Roaring ’20s, Modern Art Deco theme.
Donna reported that 400 people had already committed to attending the big bash, whose proceeds go to support the DSO’s music and education programs, which have helped to “lower the crime in South Dallas,” she said. As for attire for the evening Gala, Donna suggested that guests should think along the lines of Truman Capote’s legendary “Black and White Ball.”
Donna then introduced “the best director of any symphony in America”: Dallas Symphony Association President/CEO Kim Noltemy. Kim thanked the supporters and DSO musicians on hand and acknowledged Rita Sue and Alan Gold, who she said “recruited me to Dallas” to head up the symphony.
In addition to “Fabulous Fabio Luisi,” the DSO’s “one in a million” music director, Kim said the Gala would be featuring performers including mezzo-soprano Susan Graham and baritone Thomas Hampson as well as the Dallas Black Dance Theatre.
Donna also reported that $801,000 had been raised so far for the event, which traditionally kicks off Dallas’ fall social season. As of the night of the Weitzman launch party sponsored by Chase, she said they were “only $50,000 short. But we expect to be there in the next month.”