The Dallas Opera

  • My Cart
  • Contact
    • Sponsor a Chair - Musician posing in a theater with a man and woman
    Home > Support The Dallas Opera > Sponsor a Chair. Share in the Applause.

    Sponsor a Chair. Share in the Applause.

    Behind Every Standing Ovation is an Extraordinary Musician

    For nearly 70 years, The Dallas Opera has inspired audiences through extraordinary artistry. Behind every unforgettable performance is an exceptional orchestra whose musicians bring every note and dramatic moment to life.

    An Orchestra Chair Sponsorship is a five-year annual giving commitment thatrecognizes and supports an individual musician’s artistry. It offers individuals,corporations, and foundations a meaningful way to invest directly in the artistswho make every production possible and help carry this tradition ofexcellence forward for generations.

    Why Sponsor a Chair?

    • Sustain artistic excellence
    • Support professional musicians
    • Preserve a premier cultural institution
    • Inspire future generations
    • Keep opera thriving

    Recognition and Benefits

    • Season program book and website
    • Introduction to sponsored musician
    • Commemorative photograph by Gittings
    • Artistic access, dress rehearsal invitations and backstage tours
    • Exclusive donor receptions


    Current Sponsorship Opportunities

    Chorus Director and Head of Music (1) — $500,000/5 years
    Paolo Bressan

    First Violin (2) — $250,000/5 years
    Grace Kang Wollett
    Acting Associate Concertmaster
    Florence Wang Conrad
    Acting Assistant Concertmaster

    Second Violin (2) — $250,000/5 years
    Kristin Van Cleve — Principal
    Sondra Brudnak — Assistant Principal

    Viola (3) — $250,000/5 years
    Liesl-Ann Maerschel* — Principal
    Desiree Elsevier^ — Acting Principal
    Katrina Smith — Co-Principal

    Cello (1) — $125,000/5 years
    Shawna Hamilton — Assistant Principal

    Bass (2) — $250,000/5 years
    William Gowen — Principal
    Michael Lelevich — Assistant Principal

    Woodwinds & Brass (4) — $250,000/5 years
    Helen Blackburn — Principal Flute
    Stephanie Key^ — Acting Principal Clarinet
    John Searcy — Principal Bassoon
    Jeff Baker — Principal Tuba/Cimbasso

    Percussion & Harp (2) — $250,000/5 years
    Joe Ferraro — Principal Percussion
    Barbara Biggers — Principal Harp

    ^ 2026-2027 Season Substitute
    * On Leave, 2026-2027 Season

    Contact Terry Lendecker, Major Gifts Officer, for more information or inquiries terry.lendecker@dallasopera.org or 214.443.1062

    Photo by Gittings Photography Dallas
    Jacob Muzquiz, Principal Trombone Chair
    Sponsored by Cece Smith and Ford Lacy