Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Established in 1900, the DSO has evolved from a small group of 40 musicians under the direction of Hans Kreissig to a globally recognized ensemble. Notable figures in its history include Antal Doráti, who transformed the orchestra into a fully professional ensemble in 1945, and Eduardo Mata, under whose leadership the DSO experienced significant growth, secured recording contracts, and inaugurated its permanent home, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, in 1989.

Under the guidance of subsequent Music Directors such as Andrew Litton and Jaap van Zweden, the DSO continued to achieve national and international acclaim. Litton, during his tenure from 1994 to 2006, brought unparalleled exposure through recordings, telecasts, and international tours, while van Zweden, named Musical America’s Conductor of the Year in 2012, led the orchestra through a dynamic decade marked by acclaimed performances and recordings.

In 2018, a new era commenced with Kim Noltemy assuming the role of Ross Perot President & CEO, introducing innovative initiatives such as the Young Musicians education program and the Women in Classical Music program. Grammy Award-winning Italian conductor Fabio Luisi was named Music Director in June 2018, officially taking the helm in September 2020.

Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, the DSO, under Luisi's leadership, quickly adapted by expanding its online presence and successfully holding in-person concerts, becoming the first major American orchestra to do so since the start of the COVID-19 shutdown.

Starting from September 23, 2024, Michelle Miller Burns began as the new Ross Perot President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. SHe is bringing with her a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future of the DSO.

Today, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra thrives under the leadership of Luisi and Burns, shaping the 21st-century classical landscape both in Dallas and beyond. With a rich history spanning 120 years, the DSO continues to deliver outstanding musical experiences and remains a prominent force in the world of classical music.

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