It's no secret the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the AT&T Performing Arts Center are "facing some financial challenges," as AT&TPAC chair Howard Hallam told Unfair Park a few weeks ago, following the resignation of president and CEO Mark Nerenhausen. Not long after Nerenhausen turned in his adios so too did Dallas Symphony Orchestra president Doug Adams, citing personal reasons -- though, as Dallas Morning News classical music critic Scott Cantrell noted at the time, "The DSO is widely rumored to have a sizable seven-figure deficit from last season, although figures haven't yet been released." Adams didn't want to talk about whether that factored into his abrupt departure.
So, then, riding to the rescue(ish) this evening is Audi, which, per the release that just landed in the in-box, will be a major corporate sponsor for the 2010-2011 season about to get rolling. It's a one-year deal that'll turn the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center into an extension of the four local Audi dealerships. From the release, which insists the cars will "enhance DSO concerts":
The exclusive, one-year partnership with Audi will continue throughout the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's 2010-2011 concert season at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Every DSO concert will feature showroom-quality displays of the latest Audi automobiles and free valet parking for Audi drivers.Catchy! Just don't tell Friend of Unfair Park Bob.
"We are actively seeking broad support from the corporate community, and we deeply appreciate Audi for establishing this new relationship," said Dallas Symphony Orchestra Chief Operating Officer Paul Stewart, incoming president of the DSO. "Just as Audi represents the top echelon of automobile performance, design and innovation, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra exemplifies the highest level of musical expression in a variety of forms that can be enjoyed by all. Ours is a partnership of excellence."
AUDI NAMED OFFICIAL AUTOMOBILE SPONSOR OF THE DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAFree Valet Parking; Showroom-Style Displays To Enhance DSO Concerts
DALLAS (August 30, 2010) - The Dallas Symphony Orchestra today announced that Audi of America will be a leading corporate sponsor of the 2010-2011 season.
Audi will serve as the "Official Car" for the season, which began this past weekend with the DSO Pops Series program Gershwin Favorites led by the DSO's newest conducting talent, DSO Principal Pops Conductor Marvin Hamlisch. The Texas Instruments Classical Series begins September 9, 2010 with an all-Beethoven program led by Music Director Jaap van Zweden.
The exclusive, one-year partnership with Audi will continue throughout the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's 2010-2011 concert season at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Every DSO concert will feature showroom-quality displays of the latest Audi automobiles and free valet parking for Audi drivers.
"We are actively seeking broad support from the corporate community, and we deeply appreciate Audi for establishing this new relationship," said Dallas Symphony Orchestra Chief Operating Officer Paul Stewart, incoming president of the DSO. "Just as Audi represents the top echelon of automobile performance, design and innovation, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra exemplifies the highest level of musical expression in a variety of forms that can be enjoyed by all. Ours is a partnership of excellence."
To enhance the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's exceptional performances, Audi automobiles from four dealerships--University Park Audi (Dallas), Boardwalk Audi (Plano), DFW Audi (Euless), and Fort Worth Audi--will be proudly showcased at the Meyerson Symphony Center at every Dallas Symphony Orchestra performance.
Audi drivers can valet park for free at any Dallas Symphony Orchestra concert at the Meyerson, including all performances in the Texas Instruments Classical Series, DSO Pops Series, DSO Presents concerts, Family Concert Series and DSO Special Events, including the 2010 Dallas Symphony AT&T Gala on Sept. 11 and the popular Christmas Celebration performances upcoming Dec. 9-19.
The 2010-2011 Dallas Symphony Orchestra season will also feature events and demonstrations with Audi vehicles and product specialists.
"As the Dallas Symphony Orchestra does for symphonic expression, Audi represents the automotive equivalent of the discipline, precision, and revolutionary thinking that goes into a top-flight performance," says Boardwalk Auto Group founder Scott Ginsburg, whose Audi dealership will co-sponsor the season. "A well-executed symphonic performance by the internationally renowned DSO is a transcendent sensual experience. We believe Audi embodies that phenomenon on the road."