The 2025 Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Gala took place on an unseasonably cold and drizzly Saturday in early April, but that didn't stop fervent patrons from making it a red-hot, record-breaking night.
Per tradition, the event was a "mega-gala" with many parts.
First, the FWSO and music director Robert Spano welcomed renowned American pianist Garrick Ohlsson to Bass Hall for a Gala Concert featuring Rachmaninoff's beloved Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30. It's a piece close to the hearts of Fort Worth music aficionados, as it was one for which late pianist and Fort Worth son Van Cliburn was well known. (It also shows up regularly in the final round of Cliburn's namesake international piano competition, taking place just one month from now in Fort Worth.)
The FWSO also played Tchaikovsky's rhapsodic Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture in a concert that was kept short and intermission-less. Then it was time to eat, drink, and make merry to raise funds for future music-making.
Garrick Ohlsson joined FWSO and maestro Robert Spano for the Gala Concert at Bass Hall.
Photo by Karen Almond
Gala guests boarded luxe shuttles to the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel and ascended to the ballroom, where they were greeted by a fragrant floral fantasy, from a step-and-repeat flower wall for photos to a cherry blossom tree that towered over the ballroom lobby. The event design team at JLS Hospitality, led by owner Jessica Swaim, continued the gorgeous flower garden inside the ballroom, where tables were set with abundant arrangements in spring-y shades of pink.
Attendees mingled with cocktails and nibbled on passed hors d'oeuvres until the ballroom doors opened for dinner: a salad of watermelon with microgreens; grilled beef tenderloin with French gratin potatoes and roasted vegetables; and a decadent chocolate mousse or vegan mixed berry tart for dessert.
Photo by Randal Vanderveer
Mary Alice Stanford, Aaron Howard, Corrie Hood-Howard, Monica Wright, Catherine Nicholas, Greg Nicholas
The 2025 Gala honorary chairman was FWSO chairman of the board Mercedes T. Bass, with Connie Beck, J. Brooks, Lee Hallman, andQuynh Lu serving as co-chairs. Also leading the evening was new FWSO senior director of development, Stephanie Moreau.
In onstage remarks, the co-chairs thanked Bass (who was honored recently with a Texas Medal of Arts for her philanthropic generosity) and celebrated the achievements of the FWSO, echoed by FWSO president and CEO Keith Cerny and music director Spano.
To the surprise and delight of the crowd, guest pianist Ohlsson also took to the stage to thank guests for attending and reveal the answer to audience members' most-asked question: How much does he practice? (The answer: A LOT.)
Auctioneer Rachel Koffsky-Parker of Christie's led a rousing live auction for luxury trips, experiences, and jewelry. As an example of patrons' passion for their hometown orchestra, a private diner and concert with FWSO musicians at the new Chumley House restaurant in Fort Worth was sold for $9,000, outpacing a "Five-Star Weekend in New York," which brought a still-impressive $8,500.
A final "paddle-raise" allowed guests to give at levels from $10,000 to $1,000 or another desired amount.
Guests got a workout raising their paddles.Photo by Jill Johnson
In all, the Gala raised a record-breaking $1,076,000 toward FWSO's Adventures in Music Program, which brings music into the lives of more than 20,000 students annually in North Texas.
As Bass wrote in the event program, "We know the importance of music education extends beyond teaching musical skills. It enhances leadership abilities, encourages creative expression, and fosters personal growth. These experiences are transformative for local students, and this wouldn't be possible without your generous support."
To celebrate the evening, guests danced the night away to the sounds of the Royal Dukes Band. Upon exiting, they grabbed a goody bag filled with gourmet chocolates and cookies from sponsor Neiman Marcus.
Scroll through the photos in the gallery, above, to see highlights of the evening and notable attendees.
The next FWSO Gala will take place February 21, 2026 and will feature violinist Gil Shaham with the FWSO and maestro Spano on the Brahms Violin Concerto.
