From its world-class orchestras to its prestigious live music venues, classical music in Dallas is a vibrant, year-round experience. Take Dallas Symphony Orchestra—the crown jewel of the Dallas Arts District that often performs inside the Meyerson Symphony Center, one of the most breathtaking concert halls in the world. From traditional performances to candlelit specials, the best classical music concerts in Dallas blend tradition and innovation, and we’ve got some of the best below, plus venues, orchestras and more.
Dallas music venues: where to see classical music live
Meyerson Symphony Center
Opened in 1989 and designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect I.M. Pei, Meyerson Symphony Center is considered one of the best concert halls in the world. It’s well-known for its “shoebox” style design, striking geometric design and tunable acoustics-–there’s a massive 42-ton adjustable acoustic canopy that can be raised or lowered depending on the type of performance.
Aside from the gorgeous interiors, this place also boasts the Lay Family Concert Organ featuring 4,535 pipes and a stunning cherry wood facade. In fact, it’s the largest mechanical-action organ ever built for a concert hall.
đź“ŤAddress: 2301 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201
Moody Performance Hall
Moody Performance Hall is a 750-seat theater kitted out with a proscenium stage, an approximately 80-foot fly tower and a 60-foot-wide LED mesh curtain. Originally named Dallas City Performance Hall, the venue was built to support emerging arts organizations in Dallas. Nowadays, the performance space does just that, hosting some of the best classical music concerts in Dallas, plus theater productions, dance shows and other cultural events.
đź“ŤAddress: 2520 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
Irving Arts Center
Located in the heart of Irving’s Arts District, Irving Arts Center is a contemporary cultural complex known for its striking modern design and versatile performance spaces. Home to multiple theaters and galleries, the venue features clean architectural lines, spacious foyers and acoustically refined auditoriums that enhance the warmth and clarity of live music.
It’s just minutes from Las Colinas and a short drive from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and is surrounded by sculpture gardens, local parks and dining spots. In this elegant setting, classical concerts by Candlelight take on an added sense of intimacy and atmosphere.
đź“ŤAddress: 3333 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, Dallas, 75062
Edison’s
Set in the historic Cedars neighborhood just south of downtown, Edison’s is a beautifully restored early-20th-century power plant that blends industrial heritage with refined event design. Exposed brick walls, soaring ceilings and original architectural details give the space character, while its spacious layout and thoughtful acoustics create a warm setting for live music. Within this distinctive backdrop, both classical and jazz concerts feel both intimate and strikingly atmospheric.
Read more about Edison’s in Dallas here.đź“ŤAddress: 1724 Cockrell Ave, Dallas, TX 75215
The best orchestras in Dallas
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
As the largest performing-arts organization in the U.S. Southwest, Dallas Symphony Orchestra dates all the way back to the early 1900s. Past conductors include prominent musicians like Antal Doráti, Georg Solti, Eduardo Mata and Fabio Luisi (current). The DSO is based at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, performing weekly sessions during their main season (September to May).
Dallas Chamber Symphony
Dallas Chamber Symphony was founded in 2011 and its performances focus on classical and contemporary chamber music. Led by artistic director Richard McKay, DCS usually performs six main concerts annually at Moody Performance Hall in the Dallas Arts District. Key programs include live scores for classic silent films, bringing the magic of the movies to life on strings (recent premieres include A Sailor-Made Man and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari).Â
New Texas Symphony Orchestra
New Texas Symphony Orchestra is an all-volunteer community orchestra that often hosts free classical music concerts in Dallas and beyond. Performances usually take place in either Moody Performance Hall, Interfaith Peace Chapel or Oak Lawn United Methodist Church. In terms of their program, think classics like Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, new commissions (Zion Pullman’s Scenes from Zeeskyzii) and even holiday favorites (Sleigh Ride and Polar Express).
Classical music concerts Dallas 2026: annual and seasonal events and specials
The 2026 Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala
The 2026 DSO Symphony Gala kicks off their annual gala this year with a performance featuring Broadway legend Idina Menzel. The major fundraising event will be taking place inside Meyerson Symphony Center on September 26.
The Candlelight concert series
Thousands of candles light up these classical music concerts in Dallas. Inside the city’s most remarkable settings, these live tributes pay homage to a range of artists and genres, from Fleetwood Mac and Coldplay to Drake, Juan Gabriel and many more. A string quartet performs the most popular hits by artists like these while audiences bathe in the glow of candlelight.
Learn more about Candlelight in Dallas here.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Classical Series
The season runs from September–May with over 10 programs per season. Past guests include Chinese virtuoso pianist Lang Lang and world-famous Chinese-American cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Their program usually spans classical staples from Bach and Mozart to romantic works by the likes of Mahler and Strauss.
Classical Concerts at the Shirley & Bill McIntyre Park
The DSO offers free chamber music performances at the Shirley & Bill McIntyre Park, paired with interactive learning experiences like instrument petting zoos. Catch them at McIntyre Park on the third Thursday and Sunday every month; if bad weather hits, events shift indoors to the Meyerson Symphony Center lobby.