Dallas philanthropist and entrepreneur, Morton H. Meyerson, passes away at the age of 87.
Morton H. Meyerson, Dallas Business Magnate and Philanthropist, Passes Away at 87
Morton H. Meyerson, a prominent figure in the Dallas business scene and a key player in the establishment of the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, has passed away at the age of 87.
Born in Fort Worth, Meyerson rose to prominence as the chief technology officer for GM and later helped Ross Perot build Perot Systems Corp., where he served as CEO and chair. His role in the symphony center project, however, solidified his legacy in Dallas.
Two months before the opening of the symphony center in 1989, Meyerson faced a significant challenge: figuring out how to quickly ship marble from Italy to Dallas for the concert hall's construction. This task was part of his ten-year tenure as the head of the building committee, a role he took on despite initial doubts about his fit for the position.
Under his leadership, the project hired renowned architect I.M. Pei and acoustician Russell Johnson on separate contracts, ensuring equal focus on both the building’s architectural beauty and the acoustic excellence of the concert hall. This collaboration resulted in the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall, known for its warm and beautiful sound that envelops the audience, making it an internationally recognized venue.
Meyerson's determination to balance architectural innovation with superior acoustics fundamentally shaped the identity and reputation of the symphony center. The hall's acoustic design specifically benefits from Russell Johnson’s expertise, ensuring the sound quality complements I.M. Pei’s striking architectural vision.
The naming of the symphony center was not Meyerson's idea; it was proposed by Ross Perot as a condition for a $10 million gift to fill a funding gap. Despite this, the honor of having the symphony center bear his name reflects his personal commitment and lasting impact on the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the cultural community in Dallas.
Meyerson's humility and frankness were part of his charm, according to Michelle Miller Burns, Ross Perot President and CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He was slightly uncomfortable with the spotlight that came with the success of the symphony center, as he was a middle-class man from Fort Worth and the grandson of immigrants.
Meyerson is survived by his daughters Marti Meyerson of New York and Leslie Gordon of Arizona, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Memorial details for Meyerson have not yet been announced.
Meyerson loved classical music and played piano, as well as singing in the Dallas Symphony Chorus. His passion for music was evident in the symphony center project, which he drove forward despite initial setbacks, such as the initial proposal for the symphony center to the city not receiving a favorable response.
Mark Cuban, an entrepreneur, wrote a statement expressing his condolences, stating that he was mentored by Meyerson. The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, one of Dallas' most famous buildings, bears his name as a testament to his enduring impact on the city.
[1] The Dallas Morning News. (2022, January 13). Morton H. Meyerson, Dallas business magnate and philanthropist, dies at 87. Retrieved from https://www.dallasnews.com/business/2022/01/13/morton-h-meyerson-dallas-business-magnate-and-philanthropist-dies-at-87/
[2] The Dallas Symphony Orchestra. (n.d.). Morton H. Meyerson. Retrieved from https://mydso.org/about/history/morton-h-meyerson/
- The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, a landmark in Dallas, saw its construction facilitated by the innovative technology solutions devised by the late business magnate, who served as the CEO and chair of Perot Systems Corp.
- In the realm of finance, Morton H. Meyerson's leadership played a significant role in filling a funding gap for the symphony center, as Ross Perot offered a $10 million gift on the condition that the center bear his name.
- In the community, Meyerson's legacy extended beyond business, as he showed his love for music by playing piano, singing in the Dallas Symphony Chorus, and driving forward the construction of the symphony center despite initial setbacks. This earns him recognition as a key figure in both the business and cultural communities of Dallas.
