Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
If you want a cultural spot in Dallas, check out the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. This stunning venue is home to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this fantastic place, from its history and significance to its current offerings and tips for visitors.
History
The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center was built in 1989 as part of the Dallas Arts District project. It was named after Morton H. Meyerson, a prominent businessman and philanthropist who donated $10 million to construct the center. The center’s architect was I.M. Pei, who also designed the Louvre Pyramid in Paris and the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong. The center features a modern design with a soaring glass facade and a distinctive metal roof.
The center has a seating capacity of 2,062 and boasts some of the world’s finest acoustics. The main hall is shaped like a shoebox and has adjustable panels and curtains that can modify the sound quality according to the type and size of the performance. The center also has a magnificent pipe organ with 4,535 pipes, which is one of the largest in the world.
Which significant events have happened here?
The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center has hosted many prestigious events and performers. Some of the highlights include:
- The inaugural concert in 1989 featured the Dallas Symphony Orchestra conducted by Eduardo Mata and soloists Itzhak Perlman and Jessye Norman.
- The world premiere of John Williams’ “Star Wars Suite” in 1997 was performed by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Williams himself.
- The memorial service for President John F. Kennedy in 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of his assassination in Dallas.
- The concerts by renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, Joshua Bell, Renee Fleming, Andrea Bocelli, Diana Krall, and many more.
What can you learn?
The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center is not only a place to enjoy music but also a place to learn about it. The center offers various educational programs and activities for all ages and levels of interest. Some of them are:
- The DSO Kids website provides fun and interactive resources for children to explore music and instruments.
- The Young Strings program provides free instruments, lessons, and performance opportunities for talented students from underrepresented communities.
- The Open Rehearsals allow the public to watch the Dallas Symphony Orchestra rehearse for upcoming concerts.
- The Pre-Concert Lectures give insights and background information on the composers and works featured in each concert.
- The DSO on the GO series, brings the Dallas Symphony Orchestra to different venues and communities across North Texas.
Events
The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center has a rich and diverse calendar of events that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you are into classical music, jazz, pop, rock, or world music, you will find something that suits your mood and style. Some of the upcoming events are:
- A Tribute to Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul (October 29-31)
- Mozart’s Requiem (November 4-7)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert (November 26-28)
- A John Williams Christmas (December 10-12)
- New Year’s Eve Celebration with Pink Martini (December 31)
You can find the full schedule of events and buy tickets on the official website of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Tips for visitors
If you are planning to visit the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, here are some tips that will make your experience more enjoyable:
Are there any rules?
Yes, there are some rules that you need to follow to respect the performers and other audience members. For example, you should arrive on time, turn off your cell phone, refrain from talking or making noise during the performance, dress appropriately, and clap only when appropriate.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit depends on your personal preference and availability. However, some general tips are to avoid peak hours (such as weekends or holidays), check the weather forecast (as it can get hot or cold inside depending on the season), and book your tickets in advance (as some events may sell out quickly).
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, it is family-friendly. The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center welcomes children of all ages and offers special programs and discounts for families. For example, children under 12 can get half-price tickets for select concerts, and children under six can attend free family concerts on Sundays.
Ready for the trip?
The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves music and culture. It is a place to enjoy world-class performances, learn new things, and have a memorable time. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this gem of Dallas and discover its beauty and charm.
A Trip Through Dallas’s Many Treasures: From the Dallas Arboretum to Estates of Hidden Creek
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218, United States
- Get on I-30 W from Garland Rd, Highland Rd, and Ferguson Rd (7 min, 3.0 mi)
- Head northeast on Garland Rd (13 ft)
- Make a U-turn (1.0 mi)
- Turn left onto San Rafael Dr (0.2 mi)
- Turn right onto Highland Rd (1.0 mi)
- Use any lane to turn right onto Ferguson Rd (0.7 mi)
- Turn directly to merge onto I-30 W (0.2 mi)
- Continue on I-30 W to Stemmons Service Rd. Take exit 46A from I-30 W (7 min, 5.3 mi)
- Merge onto I-30 W (4.5 mi)
- Use the right two lanes to take exit 46A for I-35E N (0.7 mi)
- Use the right lane to keep right at the fork and continue toward Stemmons Service Rd (427 ft)
- Keep right, follow signs for Reunion Blvd/Commerce St, and merge onto Stemmons Service Rd (499 ft)
- Continue on Stemmons Service Rd. Drive to S Houston St (2 min, 0.9 mi)
- Merge onto Stemmons Service Rd (0.5 mi)
- Use the left two lanes to take the ramp onto Commerce St (0.4 mi)
- Turn left onto S Houston St (157 ft)
Dealey Plaza
Dallas, TX 75202, United States
- Head north on S Houston St toward Main St (0.1 mi)
- Make a U-turn (171 ft)
- Turn right (Destination will be on the right, 89 ft)
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States
- Head west toward N Houston St (144 ft)
- Turn right toward N Houston St (269 ft)
- Turn right toward N Houston St (269 ft)
- Turn left onto N Houston St (0.2 mi)
- Turn right onto McKinney Ave (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto Laws St. (Destination will be on the left, 0.1 mi.)
The Dallas World Aquarium
1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States
- Head southeast on Laws St toward Hord St (210 ft)
- Turn left onto Hord St (236 ft)
- Turn left at the 1st cross street onto N Griffin St (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto McKinney Ave/Woodall Rodgers Fwy. (Continue to follow McKinney Ave, 0.1 mi)
- Continue onto Woodall Rodgers Fwy (0.1 mi)
- Continue straight to stay on Woodall Rodgers Fwy (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto N Harwood St (Destination will be on the right, 0.1 mi.)
Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
- Head southeast on N Harwood St toward Flora St (7 ft)
- Turn left onto Flora St. (Destination will be on the left, 0.2 mi.)
Dallas Symphony Orchestra at Meyerson Symphony Center
2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
- Head southwest on Flora St toward Crockett St (279 ft)
- Turn right onto N Pearl St (0.2 mi)
- Turn left onto Woodall Rodgers Fwy (Destination will be on the left, 0.1 mi)
Klyde Warren Park
2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
- Head southwest on Woodall Rodgers Fwy toward North St. Paul Street (0.3 mi)
- Continue onto Broom St (0.1 mi)
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
- Head southwest on Broom St toward N Griffin St (0.1 mi)
- Use any lane to turn right onto N Lamar St (0.3 mi)
- Continue onto Continental Ave (374 ft)
- Turn left onto N Stemmons Fwy/N Stemmons Service Rd W (0.3 mi)
- Keep left, follow signs for I-35E S, and merge onto I-35E (5.3 mi)
- Keep left at the fork to continue on I-35E S, follow signs for Waco (14.4 mi)
- Take exit 408 toward S Industrial Blvd/S Interstate 35 E S (0.2 mi)
- Continue onto S Industrial Blvd/S Interstate 35 E S (0.2 mi)
- Turn left onto US-77 (453 ft)
- Use any lane to turn right to stay on US-77 (2.7 mi).
- Turn left onto Butcher Rd (1.6 mi)
- Turn left onto Stonebriar Dr. Destination will be on the left (446 ft)
Waxahachie Stop
Waxahachie, TX 75165, USA
- Head southwest on Stonebriar Dr toward Butcher Rd (446 ft)
- Turn right onto Butcher Rd (1.6 mi)
- Turn right onto US-77 N (2.9 mi)
- Use the left lane to take the ramp onto I-35E N (0.2 mi)
- Merge onto I-35E N (13.9 mi)
- Keep at the fork to stay on I-35E N (4.3 mi)
- Use the right lane to keep right at the fork, stay on I-35E N, and follow signs for I-30 E/Texarkana (0.4 mi)
- Use the right two roads to take exit 427D to merge onto I-30 E (4.4 mi)
- Take exit 49B for Dolphin Rd (0.3 mi)
- Turn right onto Dolphin Rd (0.9 mi)
- Continue onto Elsie Faye Heggins St (0.6 mi)
- Turn right onto Junction St (305 ft)
- Turn right (144 ft)
Estates of Hidden Creek
Hidden Creek 3 Estates, 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States