DALLAS

Tips and Suggestions to Know Before You Go to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

While knowledge of a topic can bring a deeper appreciation, a degree in music (or even much study of it) is not required in order to enjoy the symphony.

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center | Tips and Suggestions to Know Before You Go | How to Dress, Where to Park, Symphony Etiquette | Dallas Arts District | Downtown Dallas, Texas, USA
© Photo from Dallas Symphony Orchestra

If your last experience with orchestra was of the 'Electric Light' variety or was a junior high school band recital, then you may have a pleasant surprise in store. Just think 'movie music.' Reminiscent of Indiana Jones, Titanic, or even The Lion King, the sounds of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra elicit a strong emotional response that can seem to transport you to another place and time.

Wherever you find yourself, be assured you'll arrive there in style. The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center is regal indeed; but despite the elegance of its marble floors and glass walls, the Meyerson is comfortable and relaxed with a staff that is casual, friendly, and extremely helpful.

While having a broad knowledge of any topic generally gives one a better appreciation of it, a degree in music (or even much of a study of it) is certainly not required in order to enjoy the symphony. Just a love of music and consideration for the talents of others are all that's really needed to find yourself hooked on the symphonic.

Arrival

Doors to the concert hall open thirty minutes before the performance, so be sure to go early to find your seat, soak in the ambience, and read over your program. There you can find a list of symphony rules such as no talking during the performance and no unwrapping cough drops or rifling through your purse. Keep in mind that the music in some parts of the show can be very soft, so talking babies, beeping watch alarms, and even a growling stomach may seem louder than usual.

Dining

If you'd like to eat before the show, the Meyerson serves dinner at two restaurants, Opus (fine dining and Sunday brunch) and Allegro (light dining). Bars are also set up in these areas so you may purchase bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages before the show or during the fifteen-minute-or-so intermission. Don't worry too much about losing track of time during the break though, as you will hear bells chime overhead to let you know when it's time to make your way back to your seat.

Etiquette

Don't CLAP BETWEEN MOVEMENTS!!

Some pieces of music have 'sections' known as 'movements'. It is proper to only clap at the end of the entire piece, rather than after each section (even though the band takes a noticeable pause to readjust). For instance, you may see something like this in your program:

Southern Harmony for Wind Ensemble (1998) by Donald Grantham

I. The Midnight Cry

 II. Wondrous Love

III. Exhilaration

IV. The Soldier's Return

Only clap at the end of The Soldier's Return which marks the end of Southern Harmony. Don't clap after each movement.

Dress for Women

Outfits cover a very wide range including dressy dresses, cocktail dresses, casual dresses, lots of dress pants (mostly black) with sweaters or nice shirts, and even some jeans with nice shirts or jackets.

Dress for Men

Also a wide range of attire including tuxes, suits, sport coats, dress pants with nice shirts, and jeans with dress shirts or jackets.

Parking

Parking is available in the Hall Arts Center Garage, Cathedral Garage, Star Parking on Olive Street, One Arts Plaza, and via valet on both levels. See parking map below.

Free Tours

Free public tours of the Meyerson are available on selected days along with a free 30-minute recital demonstration of the center's impressive 4,535 pipe concert organ. Reservations are not required.

Navigating

If you enter the Meyerson from the Dallas Arts District Garage and find yourself on the lower level near the Symphony Store, just look to the right and take the large stairway up. Elevators are also available, as the entrance to the concert hall is upstairs.

See additional information below or visit:
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

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The center is known for unsurpassed acoustics and unobstructed lines of sight, and we've been pleased with all of our seating options - but for different reasons.