The Morton H. Meyerson was celebrating its 25th anniversary in early September. And like any 20-something, the sky was the limit for its celebration.
Jan Miller and Jeff Rich
But the ultimate highlight was the Saturday Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala. In the months leading up to the big hoop-la, Gala Co-Chairs Jan Miller and Jeff Rich promised a grand affair. Private dinners had been held to ramp up the interest of committee members and sponsors.
In the weeks leading up to the black-tie fundraiser, thing started falling into place. Margot and Ross Perot, who had made the “Wow!” contribution to make the building reality and had requested the place be named in honor of Perot associate Mort Meyerson, were named as the gala’s honorary co-chairs. Then Micki and Mayor Mike Rawlings were added to the honorary chair roster. Carole and Scott Murray would be honorary media co-chairs. AT&T was returning as title sponsor were building the promise. Then it was announced that legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman would be performing with DSO Maestro Jaap van Zweden conducting the DSO musicians.
Still it wasn’t enough for the Miller-Rich team. Less than two weeks before the big night, it was announced that, like the Dallas Opera, a simulcast would broaden the opportunity for the non-black-tie-types to take in and enjoy the musical experience of the night. The simulcast was being presented by Bank of America, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and U.S. Trust and produced in partnership with WFAA. The lawns of Klyde Warren Park would be the spot if the weather cooperated.
Just hours before the first guest arrived on Saturday, September 12, emails were sent to certain folks that “a special guest” would be part of the festivities. Would it be someone from the Meyerson past? Would it be another world-famous musician? Would it be a politico bold facer with credentials more impressive than a senator?
The answer would arrive around 7. Stay tuned was the word passed.
In the meantime, guests arrived both at the Flora Street main entrance and the underground driveway. The threat of weather proved to be nothing more than yesterday’s news. Actually, it was rather perfect for those lounging at the park. In fact, Merrill Lynch’s Troy Schiermeyer opted for the private party at Savor for bank friends instead of joining the black tie set. His reason? He could enjoy a glass of wine, while listening to the concert.
As the first hints of guests arriving took place, the key players gathered downstairs for official photos and to meet the students from Booker T. Washington.
Margot and Ross Perot
Upstairs the crowd came in waves of formal finery. After all this event was the first black tie function of the 2014 fall season. In other words, there was no holding back when it came to couture fashions, makeup, hair or jewelry.
Holly Reed, Gillian Breidenbach and Leslie Diers
Hal Brierley, Richard and Kathy Holt and Diane Brierley
In honor of the Meyerson’s 25th anniversary, gals like Holly Reed, Leslie Diers and Linda Ivy wore shimmering silver gowns. Both Holly and Leslie claimed not to recall the designer, but Linda didn’t hold back. It was a Donna Karen and the earrings were from Heritage Auction…D’Andra Simmons-Lock opted for Carolina Herrera fabric but had it designed by Jamal, while her pal Jeri Kleiman was in a very form-sitting Fendi…Speaking of Herrera, Dallas First Lady Micki was in Herrera with earrings from Eiseman and a “classic” velvet Armani shawl…Gillian Breidenbach was in a black gown made for her with her hair pulled back in a tight bun (It’s giving me a headache.”)…Kathy Holt wore a slender lace Kay Unger, while Jan Miller opted for a white tunic by Linda Platt topped off with vintage 1940’s earrings that she bought in Paris and a dazzling 1960’s gold flat-collar-style necklace…Betsy Whitson-Crousen swept in wearing a black Oscar de la Renta with Dolce Gabbana earrings…Vicki Briley White had friends check out the back of her St. John evening…Pat McEvoy, having just chaired the Crystal Charity Ball’s 10 Best Dressed, wore Zac Posen, while buddy Claire Emanuelson was in black Valentino with Eiseman earrings…Margo Keyes accentuated her Escada skirt and black beaded top with hotter-than-hot Louboutin pink heels…Barbara Durham was in Dolce Gabbana with a necklace that husband Steve had given her for completing the New York City Marathon…Myriam Graham was in Diane von Furstenberg… Sparkling with beads and crystals were Gina Ginsburg in Sherri Hill and Anna-Sophia van Zweden in Naeem Khan and Eiseman twinkles…Carrie Scotti stood out in the crowd with her sequined calypso pants and Alice + Olivia top… Another in Naeem Khan was Laree Hulshoff, who accessorized it with cat slippers… Past DSO Gala Chair Barbara Daseke wore Balenciaga…Pat Smith with daughter Skylar in gowns from Belk.
Betsy Whitson-Crousen
Jim White and Vicki Briley-White
And the fellas weren’t too shabby either in the designer department. Bryan Diers was in Zegna (“I left my Versace at home.”) with James Reid studs from Santa Fe. He picked them out and wife Leslie gifted him with them…Scott Ginsburg in Brioni… Jeremy Lock in “Whatever D’Andra picked out.” She picked out Joseph Abboud…Dwight Emanuelson and David Kleiman in Isaia…Charles McEvoy in Zegna… Jim White in Pal Zileri…Steve Durham in Hadleigh…Steve Ivy in Burberry…Randall Graham and Anthony Scott in Armani.
Of course, there were hints of orange throughout the throngs (Jonathan’s bowtie, Jan’s clutch, etc.) Hello? Orange and AT&T go together like Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Beyoncé and Jayz or Batman and Robin.
Out for just the second time in recent weeks, Hal Brierley sported a pair of crutches he picked up in England after taking a nasty fall in Bath. The ambulance ride cost $6. Despite compliments to the British medical community, he still had Baylor operate on his knee within 24 hours of landing in Dallas. As for the evening’s concert, Dallas Symphony President/CEO Jonathan Martin arranged for a footstool in the Brierley’s box for Hal.
Mary McDermott Cook, Margaret McDermott, Jonathan Martin and Sandi Pei
Having just flown in from Frankfort, Mary McDermott Cook “escorted” her mom Margaret McDermott to the gala. Immediately upon arriving, they were greeted by Jonathan and Sandi Pei, who was subbing for his father/Meyerson architect I.M. Pei.
As a Dutch film crew made the rounds interviewing guests, word was quickly passed that the VIP guests was pulling up in “that black SUV.” Photographers were sent rushing to catch the moment of arrival. The back door opened and orange was everywhere. Orange gown topped off with flaming red hair. It was the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson. Thanking the driver, she proved the “Fergie” likability element to one and all.
Jonathan Martin and Sarah Ferguson
As she walked to the Meyerson entrance, someone told her it was good to have her back in Dallas. She smiled and thanked the person and then asked hesitantly, “Do you recall when I was last here?” Before an answer could be provided, she found herself being hugged by Jan, welcomed by a svelte Jonathan (he’d lost 80 pounds) and interviewed by another film crew.
She had just arrived in time to meet and be greeted by the swell set.
At 7:20 the fine set were called to dinner with Fergie graciously obliging those who wanted her in their selfies.
As hundreds gathered for a seated dinner of heritage field greens with grilled shrimp, grilled roma tomato, roasted pepper, caper pearl pasta and mozzarella salad with spice raspberry chipotle dressing following by an entrée of roasted tenderloin of beef, cognac bordelaise, golden sweet yam and parsnip whipped potato, maple glazed baby carrots and fine green beans, the crowds at Klyde Warren were growing for the concert.
Afterwards, the black-tie set moved from the McDermott Concert Hall to Opus for the after party with Lucy Wrubel once again in charge of the music. Meanwhile, those in the Park watched a dazzling firework show that concluded the 25th anniversary celebration.