People and nonprofits making a difference

Music for the masses … 

The Dallas Chamber Symphony’s innovative programming, community engagement and mission to “enrich people’s lives by sharing in the discovery, creation, exploration and enjoyment of great music” earned the nonprofit a hefty grant from the National Endowment of the Arts. The NEA announced last month that it recommends an award of $50,000 as part of its “Our Town” initiative to fund performances in urban spaces across the country. Lake Highlands resident Robin Korevaar is the Dallas Chamber Symphony’s development associate, and she has written many of its grant applications, including this one. She says she believes her 25-year residency in Dallas gives her an excellent perspective on our city’s unique needs. “We successfully programmed a summer music series at the Bridge homeless recovery center, and I am also coordinating the ‘Our Town’ grant in order to help connect people with live music downtown, utilizing rapid transit, and to bring music to underserved people in locations like Parkland Hospital.”  This effort — called “Taking it to the Streets” — launches next month (with a Klyde Warren Park simulcast of the film “Sunrise” featuring a score by Joe Kraemer), and it continues through 2018. It will feature some 20 performances including free concerts in downtown spaces and around the city.The NEA received 240 applications for “Our Town” grants and awarded 64 organizations across the country between $25,000 and $100,000. “Projects such as the one led by the Dallas Chamber Symphony help residents engage the arts to spark vitality in their communities,” NEA Chairman Jane Chu said in the press release announcing the grant. For times and places of “Taking it to the Streets” and other Dallas Chamber Symphony events or to volunteer or get involved, visit dcsymphony.org, or contribute to this organization on North Texas Giving Day.

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