Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas is the home of Dallas' world class symphony orchestra. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has a mission of inspiring and changing lives through musical excellence. The orchestra began in 1900 and started as a forty-person ensemble. A German conductor named Hans Kreissig led the orchestra and invested in its initial financing. Almost a hundred years later in 1992, Andrew Litton took over the orchestra and was able to catapult it to international prominence.
The Symphony center was named after Morton H. Meyerson a Chairman and CEO of 2M Companies, Inc. His contribution of ten million dollars started the construction of the Symphony Center of Dallas and the building was named in his honor. The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas has a goal of being an artistic beacon in the Dallas community and shines as that beacon through art and music. Several works of art are available on the premises of the center for viewing. Sculptures and paintings by various artists including Andy Warhol grace the landscaping and walls of the symphony center.
The architecture of Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas is exciting in and of itself. The light red glass and brick building is situated behind a massive square arch made of brick. The building has square, round, and triangle structures that were designed by famous architect I. M. Pei, a Chinese-American architect who is also famous for designing the JPMorgan Chase Tower in Houston, Texas.
The inside of the building is as magnificent as the outside. The main lobby wraps around in a modern glass circle of windows above and beyond to bring in natural light during the day and the beauty of the Dallas night can be seen when the sun sets. The sweeping glass canopy that envelops the lobby is fascinating but the concert hall itself is also amazingly beautiful. A mixture of golden orange and royal blue colors compose the four levels of seating and symphony orchestra stage. The concert hall can seat over 2,000 people and has ceilings that reach 85 feet. Free tours are given year round of the facility. Volunteers welcome visitors for a tour that lasts approximately one hour. The volunteer tour guides detail all points of interests that are located in the Meyerson Symphony Center. Tours are only given on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Other cultural organizations such as Turtle Creek Chorale, Dallas Youth Orchestra, and the Dallas Wind Symphony are also a part of Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. The Symphony Center has expansive lobbies and concert halls that can accommodate a series of performances and special events. Dining is also available at the symphony Center. The center has its own signature restaurant named Opus. At Opus, salads and pastas are served in an elegant business casual setting. The center also has a buffet-style area called Allegro. At the Allegro, food has a multinational twist and the executive chef serves dishes that start in Italy and end in Asia. The two restaurant areas are a major convenience to those who want to dine before or after a concert.
