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One of autumn's most elegant galas got an international twist on September 30, when the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center channeled France for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's "An Evening in Paris."

Chaired by Kim and Greg Hext, with Diane and Hal Brierley serving as honorary chairs, the black-tie evening began with an interactive Champagne wall that doubled as a fun photo backdrop.

Twinkling Eiffel Towers dotted the Hart Lobby, and a trio of Young Strings musicians played a charming serenade as guests found their seats for a dinner of Aberdeen Angus filet mignon.

Following the live auction, where such packages as four nights at a Cabo penthouse and golf with DSO music director Fabio Luisi raised big bucks, the crowd headed into the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall for the program.

They were welcomed by DSO’s president and CEO Kim Noltemy, the Hexts, and Cece Smith, chair of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Board of Governors.

“Throughout its history, the Dallas Symphony has been a driving force in developing Dallas’ cultural identity as a vibrant international city,” said Noltemy. “Now one of the top orchestras in the country, the DSO connects with millions of people locally and around the world each year through concerts, recordings, radio broadcasts, online and TV shows, and education programs.”

“Art and music are an integral part of a well-rounded education, and the educational programming that tonight’s event supports enhances our community and opens doors for our city’s youth,” said Hext. “The Dallas Symphony is one of our city’s greatest treasures.”

After her remarks, Hext introduced Smith, who further highlighted the DSO’s education initiatives, including the new Jeanne R. Johnson Education Center, slated to open in fall 2024.

“The Dallas Symphony’s education programs are a bold investment in the future of this city,” said Smith. “We are proud to have one of the most robust instrument training programs in the country, serving more than 900 students each year.”

Noltemy recognized the 2023 gala sponsors, including Capital One and J.P. Morgan Chase, as well as members of the Dallas City Council and several arts community leaders who were in attendance, including Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins and Paul Ridley.

Gala patrons enjoyed a performance led by Luisi, which featured mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, who dazzled in her DSO debut with selections from Bizet’s Carmen; and a stunning performance of Chopin favorites by pianist Emanuel Ax.

Among those showing their support for the 2023 Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala were: Lucy and Henry Billingsley, Mary Cook McDermott and Dan Patterson, Grace Cook, Carol and Don Glendenning, Lisa and Clay Cooley, Zenetta Drew, Marena and Roger Gault, Tara Lewis and John Swords, Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger, Jan Miller and Jeffrey Rich, Anne and Steve Stodghill, Venise and Lawrence Stuart, and Donna and Herb Weitzman, the chairs of last year's gala.

During the afterparty, appropriately themed “Midnight in Paris” and chaired by Jane Humphrey and Samantha Wortley, guests queued for macarons, petit fours, crepes, coffee, and custom cocktails before dancing the night away to a rousing set by Q the Band. (Slippers were helpfully provided for anyone seeking comfort from too-high heels.)

Proceeds from the gala benefit the DSO’s education and community programs. Next year's gala is already set for September 28, 2024, so mark your calendars.

The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center was transformed into a Parisian dream Saturday night for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s An Evening in Paris 2023 Gala. Philanthropists, music fans and patrons gathered for DSO’s largest fundraising event of the year. The DSO’s 2023 Gala event was chaired by Kim and Greg Hext, with Diane and Hal Brierley serving as honorary chairs. The French theme was brought to life by Todd Events.

The formal affair treated guests with a champagne wall with bubbles served at the push of a button. The Young Strings trio played the cocktail reception before dinner in the Hart Lobby that featured decor of twinkling Eiffel Towers and a picturesque view of the Paris skyline, including the Seine.

After the meal, DSO’s Ross Perot President and CEO Kim Noltemy, 2023 Gala Chairs Kim and Greg Hext, and Cece Smith, Chair of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Board of Governors welcomed guests in the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall to the event.

“Throughout its history, the Dallas Symphony has been a driving force in developing Dallas’s cultural identity as a vibrant international city,” Noltemy stated. “Now one of the top orchestras in the country, the DSO connects with millions of people locally and around the world each year through concerts, recordings, radio broadcasts, online and TV shows, and education programs.”

She then recognized 2023 Gala sponsors, including Capital One and J.P. Morgan Chase as well as members of the Dallas City Council and several arts community leaders who were in attendance, including Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins and Paul Ridley for their contributions to the community.

“Art and music are an integral part of a well-rounded education, and the educational programming that tonight’s event supports enhances our community and opens doors for our city’s youth,” Hext told the audience after Noltemy spoke. “The Dallas Symphony is one of our city’s greatest treasures.”

Hext introduced Cece Smith, who highlighted the DSO’s education initiatives, including the new Jeanne R. Johnson Education Center, slated to open in Fall 2024.“The Dallas Symphony’s education programs are a bold investment in the future of this city,” Smith said. “We are proud to have one of the most robust instrument training programs in the country, serving more than 900 students each year.”

Of course, what’s a DSO without music? After statements were made, the Gala concert was led byLuisi and Grammy-winning American classical pianist Emanual Ax, and mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard in her DSO debut. Selections included pieces by Bizet and Chopin.

The concert, led by Luisi, featured a performance by mezzo Isabel Leonard, who dazzled in selections from Bizet’s Carmen; and a stunning performance of Chopin favorites by pianist Emauel Ax.

The after-party Midnight in Paris featured Parisian macarons and crepes, custom cocktails and a set by Q the Band.

Gallery photos courtesy of DSO by photographers Sylvia Elzafon and Kristina Bowman.

–From staff reports

The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center was transformed into a Parisian dream on Sept. 30 as some of Dallas’ most stylish philanthropists supported the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

This year’s theme, “An Evening in Paris,” was brought to life by Todd Events. The evening began with an interactive “champagne wall” that allowed guests to request bubbly with the push of a button. The wall was the star of many photos as well as the amazing florals that were featured throughout the venue.

A trio of Young Strings musicians provided a serenade as guests made their way into their seated dinner below the sparkling Eiffel Tower with a picturesque view of the Paris Skyline.

After dinner, the DSO’s Ross Perot president and CEO Kim Noltemy welcomed guests into the concert hall. Guests were entertained by music director Fabio Luisi, pianist Emanuel Ax, and Isabel Leonard. Led by Luisi, Leonard dazzled in selections from Bizet’s Carmen, while Ax performed a beautiful array of Chopin favorites. The phenomenal concert was sponsored by Capital One.

“Throughout its history, the Dallas Symphony has been a driving force in developing Dallas’s cultural identity as a vibrant international city,” Noltemy said. “Now one of the top orchestras in the country, the DSO connects with millions of people locally and around the world each year through concerts, recordings, radio broadcasts, online and TV shows, and education programs.”

The gala sponsors, Capital One and J.P. Morgan Chase, were recognized as well as members of the Dallas City Council and several arts community leaders who were in attendance. This included Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins and Paul Ridley.

“Art and music are an integral part of a well-rounded education, and the educational programming that tonight’s event supports enhances our community and opens doors for our city’s youth,” chair Kim Hext said. “The Dallas Symphony is one of our city’s greatest treasures.”

Hext also introduced Cece Smith who continued to highlight the DSO’s education initiatives, including the new Jeanne R. Johnson Education Center, said to open in the fall of 2024.

“The Dallas Symphony’s education programs are a bold investment in the future of this city,” Smith said. “We are proud to have one of the most robust instrument training programs in the country, serving more than 900 students each year.”

This year’s DSO Gala was chaired by Kim and Greg Hext, with Diane and Hal Brierley serving as honorary chairs. Cece Smith is the chair of the Dallas Symphony Association’s Board of Directors.

The after party, themed “Midnight in Paris,” included many Parisian delights, from macarons and crepes to custom cocktails. Guests danced the night away to a set by Q the Band.

“The Dallas Symphony’s education programs are a bold investment in the future of this city,” Smith said. “We are proud to have one of the most robust instrument training programs in the country, serving more than 900 students each year.”

Dallas-based Twelfth Step Ministry is hosting its 13th-annual Family Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 26, with bestselling author, comedian, and social media star Tiffany Jenkins as the keynote speaker.

Jenkins is known for her “Juggling the Jenkins” social media pages with more than 9 million followers and is passionate about raising awareness for addiction and mental illness. She is also the author of High Achiever: The Incredible True Story of One Addict’s Double Life, which details her experience with opioid addiction, recovery, and journey to sobriety.

The dinner will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel Campbell Centre at 6:30 p.m.

Twelfth Step Ministry is a Dallas nonprofit that hosts 45 Twelve-Step recovery meetings each week for 16 different substance and behavioral addiction programs. These meetings are peer-based support groups that teach the “Twelve Steps,” which are principles that help people overcome substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, and other dysfunctional habits.

Tickets are $150 each and can be purchased at www.twelfthstepministry.org/dinner. Sponsorships are also available.

Some of the nation’s top high school volleyball seniors will play Tuesday in the Under Armour Next All-America match in Orlando.

The match at UCF features players who will be joining many of the top NCAA programs, including three four of the teams that played in the NCAA Division I Volleyball Championship.

Texas signee Ayden Ames, a 6-foot-4 middle from Prosper, Texas, will play for Team Fire on a roster that includes two future Wisconsin players and one from Nebraska.

Setter Charlie Fuerbringer, who is headed to Wisconsin, is from Hermosa Beach, California. Future Badgers teammate Lola Schumacher is a libero from Carmel, Indiana. Fuerbringer headed to Orlando straight from Italy, where she and her Mizuno Long Beach team were playing in the Anderlini Winter Cup tournament. Fuerbringer’s mother, Joy (the club director), and father, Matt, both coach for Mizuno Long Beach and Matt is an assistant on the USA men’s national team.

Another Fire teammate is Nebraska signee Skyler Pierce, an outside from Lenexa, Kansas.

A handful of schools have players on both rosters.

Kentucky’s Hannah Benjamin, an outside from Cumming, Georgia, will play for Team Fire, while Asia Thigpen, a libero from Pittsboro, North Carolina, will play for Team Ice.

Florida’s Jaela Auguste, a middle from Spring Texas, is on the Team Ice roster, while both Taylor Parks, a setter from Oldsmar, Florida, and Alec Rothe, a middle from Dublin, Ohio, are on Team Ice.

Louisville has Nayelis Cabello, a setter from Clermont, Florida, on Team Fire, while Payton Peterson, a pin hitter from Dike, Iowa, is on Team Ice.

Ohio State’s Kaia Castle, a middle from Montrose, Minnesota, is on Team Fire, while Emerson Sellman, an outside from Burtonsville, Maryland, is on Team Ice.

Team Ice has two future Penn State players in Ava Falduto, a libero from Elmhurst, Illinois, and Izzy Starck, a setter from Rockledge, Florida.

Bailey Higgins, a right side from Tampa, is ending her indoor career with Team Ice before heading to Florida State to play beach.

Feurbringer is the captain of Team Fire, which will be coached by Tanya Jarvis Starrett, the coach at Bishop Moore Catholic in Orlando.

Starck is the Team Ice captain and the coach is Jason Young of Hamiton Southeastern in Fishers, Indiana.

The match starts at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Tuesday and can be seen on ESPNU.

Team Fire

(Name, position, height, HS, hometown, college) Ayden Ames, MB, 6-4, Prosper, Prosper, TX (Texas) Jaela Auguste, MB, 6-2, Grand Oaks, Spring, TX (Florida) Hannah Benjamin, OH, 6-1, Veritas Classical School, Cumming, GA (Kentucky) Kendall Beshear, OH, 5-10, Palos Verdes HS, Palos Verdes Estates, CA (Cal Poly) Nayelis Cabello, S, 6-0, East Ridge, Clermont, FL (Louisville) Kaia Castle, MB, 6-4, Buffalo Montrose, MN (Ohio State) Malyssa Cawa, L/DS 5-6 Mater Dei, San Pedro, CA (Stanford) Charlie Fuerbringer (C), S, 5-11, Mira Costa, Hermosa Beach CA (Wisconsin) Malu Garcia RS, 6-0, Moanalua, Ewa Beach, HI (Iowa) Levani Key-Powell, OH, 5-9, Home School/Bingham, South Jordan, UT (Utah) Kennedy Osunsanmi, RS, 6-3, West Ranch Stevenson, Ranch, CA (uncommitted) Skyler Pierce, OH, 6-3, Olathe Northwest, Lenexa, KS (Nebraska) Kiylah Presley, OH, 6-0, Bishop Mcnamara, Laurel, MD (uncommitted) Lola Schumacher, L/DS, 5-4, Brebeuf Jesuit Prep, Carmel, IN (Wisconsin)

Team Ice

(Name, position, height, HS, hometown, college) Favor Anyanwu, MB, 6-2, Sachse, Rowlett, TX (USC) Carlie Cisneros, OH, 6-0, Liberty, North Kansas City, MO (Arizona) Ava Falduto, L/DS 5-7, IC Catholic Prep, Elmhurst, IL (Penn State) Bailey Higgins, RS, 6-0, Berkeley Preparatory School, Tampa, FL (Florida State beach) Kiki Horne OH/RS 6-1, Millbrook, Raleigh, NC (UCLA) Amanda Mack, OH, 6-1, IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL (Cincinnati) Taylor Parks, S, 5-11, Calvary Christian, Oldsmar, FL (Florida) Payton Petersen OH/RS, 5-11, Dike-New Hartford Dike, IA (Louisville) Alec Rothe, MB, 6-3, Dublin Scioto, Dublin, OH (Florida) Emerson Sellman, OH, 6-4, Academy Of The Holy Cross, Burtonsville, MD (Ohio State) Laynie Smith RS, 6-4, Chapel Hill, Durham, NC (Illinois) Izzy Starck (C), S, 6-1, Viera, Rockledge, FL (Penn State) Asia Thigpen, L/DS, 5-11, Green Level, Pittsboro, NC (Kentucky) Mia Tvrdy, MB, 6-0, Papillon Lavista, La Vista, NE (Oregon)

Contributing: Michelle Bamford

Which team will be next to hoist the Commissioner's Trophy at the 2023 World Series?

HOUSTON — The Arizona Diamondbacks advanced to the World Series for the first time in 22 years by stunning the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 in Game 7 of the NL Championship Series on Tuesday night.

A day earlier, Texas routed the Houston Astros 11-4 in Game 7 of the ALCS to punch their ticket for the Fall Classic as Adolis García homered twice and drove in five runs.

The wild-card Rangers are assured home-field advantage in the World Series starting Friday, Oct. 27. The first game begins at 8:03 p.m. ET.

Full Schedule: (All times EDT):

Game 1, Friday, at Arlington, Texas, 8:03 p.m. (Fox) Game 2, Saturday, at Arlington, Texas, 8:03 p.m. (Fox)Game 3, Monday, Oct. 30, at Phoenix, 8:03 p.m. (Fox)Game 4, Tuesday, Oct. 31, at Phoenix, 8:03 p.m. (Fox)Game 5 (if necessary), Wednesday, Nov. 1, at Phoenix, 8:03 p.m. (Fox)Game 6 (if necessary), Friday, Nov. 3, at Arlington, Texas, 8:03 p.m. (Fox)Game 7 (if necessary), Saturday, Nov. 4, at Arlington, Texas, 8:03 p.m. (Fox)

Texas is 8-0 on the road in the postseason but has home-field advantage because it won 90 games to Arizona’s 84 — which could be the second-fewest for a World Series champion in a non-shortened season behind the St. Louis Cardinals’ 83 in 2006. The Diamondbacks split two games at Texas in May and swept a pair at home in August, including an 11-inning win on consecutive 11th-inning doubles by Perdomo and Tommy Pham off Will Smith. The Rangers hold a 28-25 in regular-season matchups.

“I think that the team, they’re just good at focusing or we’re good at focusing on the little things,” said García, the ALCS MVP. “We try to look at what we need to do, little things, to get that win or to just be successful. I think that’s really been key for us for having that success on the road, as well.”

Credit: AP

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Paul Sewald celebrates their win against the Phillies in Game 7 of the NLCS on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023.

A Rangers-Diamondbacks matchup had 1,750 to 1 odds when wagering opened last fall.

The Rangers are the current betting favorites to win the World Series at -152 while the Diamondbacks are at +128, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Credit: AP

Texas, one of six big league teams without a World Series title, reached the Fall Classic for the first time since consecutive trips in 2010 and 2011.

Houston's loss ensured the major leagues remain without a repeat champion since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees.

“This is a tough sport, a tough game. It’s a marathon,” said Dusty Baker, who managed the Astros to the 2022 title. “Nobody stays on top in this sport very long, and the Astros have been on top for quite a while.”

Credit: AP

García homered for the fourth straight game and set a record for RBIs in a postseason series with 15. He had four hits and scored three times.

García's 20 RBIs are one shy of the postseason record set by David Freese, whose 2011 St. Louis Cardinals beat the Rangers in a seven-game World Series.

“He’s a bad man, isn’t he?” shortstop Corey Seager said. “To be able to come into this atmosphere and get booed every at-bat and do what we did was really special. It was really fun to watch.”

Bochy is trying for his fourth World Series title after winning with San Francisco in 2010, 2012 and 2014. Four championships would tie Walter Alston and Joe Torre for fourth-most behind Joe McCarthy and Casey Stengel (seven each) and Connie Mack (five).

Bochy is tied at three with John McGraw, Miler Huggins, Sparky Anderson and Tony La Russa.

Every other manager with three or more is in the Hall of Fame.

Fox will carry the World Series from Oct. 27-Nov. 4

Credit: AP