Dallas Chamber Symphony

The Dallas Chamber Symphony (DCS) is a professional chamber orchestra that has become an integral part of the cultural landscape in Dallas, Texas. Established in 2011 by Artistic Director Dr. Richard McKay, the DCS was founded with the vision of creating a flexible chamber orchestra comprising 40 elite players, aimed at complementing the classical music offerings in the city. Since its inception, the DCS has anchored itself in the Dallas Arts District and is recognized for its full season of innovative concerts and extensive educational and community outreach programs. The orchestra's subscription series features six concerts annually, showcasing a blend of standard concert and contemporary chamber orchestra repertoire. The DCS is known for regularly featuring world-class soloists and premiering new works commissioned by the organization. Its commitment to high-quality performances has garnered recognition and "Best of" awards from various local publications, including the Dallas Morning News, Dallas Observer, and D Magazine. In response to evolving societal trends and local needs, the DCS, under the guidance of McKay, has initiated several impactful programs. These include the TechNotes Youth Education program established in 2013, which provides concerts and digital curriculum focusing on Title One schools; the UnSilent Film Series, started in 2012, which pairs classic silent movies with new scores performed live in concert; and the Sight of Sound Film and Music Festival, launched in 2014, which features screenings of new independent films set to classical music in concert. Additionally, the Dallas International Music Festival and Competition, which began in 2012, has become a significant event under the DCS umbrella. In 2015, the DCS launched the "Taking It to the Streets" initiative, a citywide creative placemaking effort aimed at extending the orchestra's reach to diverse audiences across Dallas. This program has brought music to various underserved communities, including the Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, Dallas County Juvenile Department, Boys and Girls Clubs, Catholic Charities Centers, as well as local schools, hospitals, and community venues like the Katy Trail and Exall Park. These outreach concerts, often free to attend, are made possible through partnerships with local businesses, parent-teacher associations, the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture, and support from organizations such as the Dallas Foundation, King Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, TACA, as well as the DCS board and donors. The initiative addresses barriers such as economic hardship, mobility, or health issues that might prevent engagement with traditional subscription performances. The Dallas Chamber Symphony's dedication to arts and community service was recognized in 2020 when it was awarded the Distinguished Arts Organization Obelisk by the Business Council for the Arts. The DCS continues to serve thousands annually, enriching the cultural fabric of Dallas through its commitment to engaging community audiences and fostering a love for music.