In many ways Fort Worth has cast a shadow over the Dallas Arts and Performing Arts scene, with its world class Bass Performance Hall, the Kimball and the Modern Art Musuem, among others. Now Dallas finally has it's chance to step up with the opening of the Dallas Arts District this month, showcasing the best in theater, opera, contemporary dance, ballet, music and other events.
The district will include more than 5 new venues - The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, Dee and Charles Wyly Theater, Annette Strauss Artist Square, Margaret McDerrmott Performance Hall & Performance Park. Some of the highlights for the inagural week will include performances by Billy Crystal, Hillary Swank, Jose Carereras and others.
Above is the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House designed by Foster + Partners under Pritker Prize architect Norman Foster, in the 21st reinterperation of the "horseshoe" opera house, it will seat more than 2200 people. (This is the building we have all been trying not to get into wrecks while oogling the red glass panels that look like sails while on Woodall Rodgers.) Be sure not to miss the Dallas Opera season with the opening of Otello October 23rd, also to include performances of Cosi Fan Tutte, Don Pasquale, Moby Dick and one of my all time favorites, Madame Butterfly.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OPENING WEEK:
- OCT 12 8AM DEDICATION CEREMONY
- OCT 15 4PM FREE ARCHITECTURE FORUM WITH REM KOOLHAAS
- OCT 16 10:30AM FREE ARCHITECTURE FORUM WITH NORMAN FOSTER
- OCT16 4PM FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH DAVID SANBORN
- OCT 18 100AM - 8PM SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY - FREE TOURS AND SPOTLIGHT PERFORMACE IN THE OPERA HOUSE AND SAMMONS PARK AND A FREE, BY-RESERVATION DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PERFOMANCE OF BEETHOVEN'S NINTH SYMPHONY CONDUCTED BY JAPP VAN ZWEDEN AT THE MEYERSON SYMPHONY CENTER
*Most grand opening events are free and open to the public. For a complete list click here.
