The Japanese city of Sendai, the closest major city to the epicenter of the Japanese earthquake, is also Dallas’ International Friendship City. As a show of support, the Dallas Symphony will donate “a significant portion of the proceeds” from its March 31-April 3 concerts to Sendai.
“As an organization, we were stunned by the news of widespread devastation in Japan,” said DSO President Paul Stewart. “The fact that our sister city Sendai was one of the most impacted areas immediately made us start thinking about how we could use the resources of the DSO to help, so we contacted the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth. We look forward to working with these new friends and some of our long-term friends with ties to Japan, like Texas Instruments, to use this weekend of inspiring music and charity to bring relief to the people of Sendai.”
Here’s the full release:
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Performs Benefit Concerts for Japanese Sister City
Significant portion of proceeds starting today will go to devastated city of Sendai
DALLAS, TX (March 22, 2011)—The Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) announced that starting today, a significant portion of the proceeds from its March 31-April 3, 2011 Texas Instruments Classical Series concerts will benefit Sendai, Dallas’ International Friendship City and the closest major city to the earthquake’s epicenter. The concerts, led by Music Director Jaap van Zweden, will include both Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony and his Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by international star and former Van Cliburn Competition winner Olga Kern.
“As an organization, we were stunned by the news of widespread devastation in Japan,” said DSO President Paul Stewart. “The fact that our sister city Sendai was one of the most impacted areas immediately made us start thinking about how we could use the resources of the DSO to help, so we contacted the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth. We look forward to working with these new friends and some of our long-term friends with ties to Japan, like Texas Instruments, to use this weekend of inspiring music and charity to bring relief to the people of Sendai.”
While the downtown area of Sendai did not suffer serious damage, the coastal areas were nearly destroyed by the tsunami. Most homes still standing do not have access to vital utilities, according to city representatives of Sendai.
“Our friends in Sendai are deeply touched by news of the outpouring of support from the people of Dallas/Fort Worth,” said the Japan-American Society of DFW Executive Director, Anna McFarland. “We know that Sendai has a long recovery ahead, and we appreciate this special initiative by the DSO to help.”
Ticket prices for the DSO benefit concerts range from $18-$114 (just $5 for up to 2 children under 18, accompanying an adult) and can be purchased by calling 214-692-0203 or by visiting DallasSymphony.com. Representatives from the Japan-America Society of DFW will also be on-site to provide information and to collect donations for Sendai.
Photo via D Magazine
