Mercedes Bass gives ‘transformative’ gift to Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

Matt Leclercq
·2 min read

Mercedes Bass, the chairman of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra board, is gifting $5 million to the organization in celebration of her 80th birthday.

The orchestra described the gift, which Bass is committing over the course of five years, as a “transformative” amount that will expand its philanthropic base. Bass is also initiating a new effort called the Campaign for Artistic Excellence Matching Gift Program, which aims to encourage others to support the orchestra’s service to the community.

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In recognition of Bass’ support and generosity, the orchestra said, it will rename its annual Concerts in the Garden series after her for 15 years. The new name takes effect when the festival returns permanently after the Fort Worth Botanic Garden builds an outdoor amphitheater. Meanwhile, the orchestra is keeping the music going with May and June concerts called the Mercedes T. Bass Sounds of the Summer Series.

Mercedes Bass, who is chairman of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra board. Courtesy of FWSO
Mercedes Bass, who is chairman of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra board. Courtesy of FWSO

“The FWSO is deeply grateful for Mrs. Bass’ continued dedication to the arts and her commitment to fostering artistic excellence in the Fort Worth community,” the organization said in an announcement Tuesday. “Her philanthropic leadership has been instrumental in the orchestra’s growth and success, including the recruitment of Music Director Robert Spano, enabling them to bring world-class performances to audiences year after year.”

Keith Cerny, president and CEO, said Bass’ “unwavering support allows us to continue our mission of enriching lives through the power of music.”

The Mercedes T. Bass Sounds of the Summer Series kicks off May 17 with After Hours in the Garden and an all-string program. Other venues for the series are the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the CR Smith Museum and Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU.

The orchestra presents more than 120 performance, education and outreach concerts each year, reaching an audience of more than 150,000 people.