Letter from the Chairman

Dear friends,

While we have many things to celebrate about the 2020/2021 season, I must first acknowledge the devastation we have all felt as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. So many have lost loved ones, endured financial challenges, and faced unrelenting uncertainty in the face of the pandemic. It is our firm belief that symphonic music heals the soul, and because of this it was even more important for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra to continue delivering on its mission during these tragic times.

While many American symphonies endured a performance hiatus, the FWSO found a new home at the historic Will Rogers Auditorium and presented an in-person season of live Symphonic and Pops concerts. To ensure patron and musician safety, a variety of measures were put into place in consultation with medical professionals, the orchestral union, and venue staff, allowing us to once again bring glorious music to our community. As always, our fabulous musicians dazzled and brought joy and hope to thousands, young and old.

In addition to the full season at Will Rogers Auditorium, the orchestra presented two special concerts at Dickies Arena, both conducted by Music Director Laureate Miguel Harth-Bedoya. The annual Gala took place on February 20, 2021 and featured internationally celebrated pianist Yuja Wang alongside your FWSO, followed by a socially distanced black tie dinner that exceeded our fundraising goals. On July 4, the orchestra presented the second annual America Strong concert, featuring operatic superstars Latonia Moore and Morris Robinson, which was also televised on WFAA to an audience across north Texas.

Although we were able to offer some limited in-person master class opportunities to young people, the bulk of our education programs pivoted to an online platform. Video recorded concert performances were delivered “on demand” to thousands of students throughout our community, engaging and educating students through the power of music.

All of us at the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra are proud of what we accomplished during the 2020/2021 season, but we truly could not have done this without the support of our donor community. During this year of uncertainty we saw unprecedented levels of support, and for this, I express my most sincere appreciation to each of you—musicians, board, staff, patrons, and donors alike. It is truly your generosity that enabled us to continue our operations with no staff or musician cuts, layoffs, or furloughs. For this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As we look ahead to what we hope will be more normal times, I am humbled to lead this special organization. I wish you all the very best and look forward to seeing you soon.

With warmest regards,

Mercedes T. Bass Chairman of the Board of Directors