Dallas Symphony Orchestra Announces Fourth Annual My DSO Concert

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Announces Fourth Annual
My DSO Concert
March 16, 2019
Specially Designed for Children and Adults on the Autism Spectrum and with Developmental Disabilities

Dallas, TX (February 1, 2019) – The Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) announces the fourth annual My DSO Concert which will take place on March 16, 2019, at 11:00 AM. The My DSO Concert is specially designed for children and adults on the autism spectrum and with developmental disabilities, and their families, friends and caregivers.

Tickets to the My DSO Concert are sold on a “pay what you can” basis with a suggested price of $10 with an additional $2.50 facility fee. For $10 reservations, visit www.mydso.com/buy/tickets/my-dso-2019. Patrons who wish to utilize the “pay what you can” option should call Jena Tunnell at 214.871.4025.

This year’s My DSO Concert will be presented in honor of Luke Forehand, an advocate for Fragile X Syndrome, student at My Possibilities and a beloved friend of the late Margaret McDermott. “We are honored to present this year’s My DSO Concert in Luke’s honor,” said Kim Noltemy, DSO President & CEO. “Luke was a dear friend of Mrs. McDermott, and I know she would be so proud to have him recognized in this way.”

“We are so thankful for Margaret McDermott and the special relationship she had with our friend Luke,” said Michael Thomas, Executive Director of My Possibilities. ”Their friendship has sparked support for the disabilities community throughout North Texas and will continue to support thousands of people with disabilities for years to come.”

Prior to the performance, representatives from many local organizations and outreach groups will be on hand for the Resource Fair. Patrons will be able to interact with musical instruments at an instrument petting zoo and participate in a music therapy experience. Pre-concert events start at 10:00 AM.

The My DSO Concert will last about an hour and will be performed without intermission. The performance will not vary from a traditional orchestra concert programmatically, but arrangements will be made to accommodate the individual needs of people with acute sensitivities. Fidgets, ear plugs and eye covers will be available to help prevent overstimulation; Quiet Rooms will be set aside in case the music becomes overwhelming; the performance will be broadcast via television monitors on the lower level of the Meyerson; and house lights will be set to a brighter level. There will also be remarks from the stage to welcome the audience and introduce the music.

After the performance, patrons will be invited to stay for a reception with cookies generously provided by the Richard Gussoni Family.

Past My DSO Concerts have served more than 3,000 individuals, many of whom had never attended a classical concert before.

Special thanks to the following organizations for their participation in the My DSO Concert:

• Ability Connection
• Autism Treatment Center
• Best Buddies
• Camp Summit
• Connecting Point of Park Cities
• Dallas Children’s Theater
• Dallas Independent School District Special Education
• Daymark Living
• E.R.O.E.S.
• Highland Park United Methodist Church belong: disABILITY Ministry
• Hope’s Seed
• My Possibilities
• Night of Superstars
• North Texas Angels Pageant
• Rays of Light
• Sing Your Way Home
• UT Southwestern Medical Center
• The Warren Center

“Our mission at My Possibilities is to provide a path to inclusion and a meaningful life for each of our students, empowering them to live independently as a part of their community,” said Thomas. “Exposure to arts and culture, similar to job and life skills, is an essential component to quality of life. Music gives us an outlet to share and communicate beyond language, which is why we are participating in the My DSO Concert for our fourth year.”

WHAT:          My DSO Concert

Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Jaap van Zweden conducts

WHEN:           March 16, 2019, at 11:00 AM
Pre-concert activities begin at 10:00 AM

WHERE:        Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

2301 Flora St. Dallas, TX 75201

PURCHASE:   Tickets to the My DSO Concert are sold on a “pay what you can” basis with a suggested price of $10 and an additional $2.50 facility fee. For $10 reservations, visit www.mydso.com/buy/tickets/my-dso-2019. Patrons who wish to utilize the “pay what you can” option should call Jena Tunnell at 214.871.4025.

About the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents the finest in orchestral music at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, regarded as one of the world’s premier concert halls. As the largest performing arts organization in the Southwest, the DSO is committed to inspiring the broadest possible audience with distinctive classical programs, inventive pops concerts and innovative multi-media presentations. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the orchestra reaches more than 211,000 adults and children through performances, educational programs and community outreach initiatives. The DSO’s involvement with the City of Dallas and the surrounding region includes an award-winning multi-faceted educational program, community projects, popular parks concerts and youth programming. The DSO has a tradition dating back to 1900, and is a cornerstone of the unique, 68-acre Arts District in Downtown Dallas that is home to multiple performing arts venues, museums and parks; the largest district of its kind in the nation. The DSO is supported, in part, by funds from the Office of Cultural Affairs, City of Dallas.

Media Contacts:

Denise McGovern, d.mcgovern@dalsym.com, 214.871.4024

Kristen Turner, k.turner@dalsym.com, 214.871.4063