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28 SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE BY BILLY FONG. PHOTOGRAPHY KRISTINA BOWMAN. T he Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center was a sea of dapper gents in tuxedos punctuated by ele- gant swans in colorful gowns for the annual Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala — the first black-tie eve of the fall social season. This year, everyone eagerly anticipated heartthrob virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell, who would take the Meyerson stage following cocktails and seated dinner. The very definition of a prodigy, Bell took up the violin at the age of four. At age 14, he had his debut performance with the Philadelphia Orchestra, then made his way to Carnegie Hall to play with the St. Louis Symphony at age 17. In 2000, at the age of 32, he was named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful" people. Talk about credentials. The DSO Gala was chaired by longtime symphony patrons Barbara and Don Daseke. Everyone knows when Barbara has entered the room: Her platinum pixie and penchant for wearing extraordinarily creative creations have made her a legend on the social scene. Honorary chairs Kathryn and Craig Hall also made quite the stir that evening, as their new art-filled Hall Arts Hotel is set to open any second across the street from the Meyerson. The DSO Gala is a quintessential old-school affair; every detail, much like every lady in attendance, was pretty and poised. Among those showing support were Fanchon and Howard Hallam, Diane and Hal Brierley, Lisa and Clay Cooley, Kara and Randall Goss, Kim and Greg Hext, Nancy Nasher and David Haemisegger, Christopher Wood, Cece Smith and Ford Lacy, and Sherwood Noël Wagner. Katherine Coker, with husband Key Coker, wins my award for best dressed that evening in a radiant sky-blue Marchesa gown. Bell's ovation-worthy performance was the perfect way to kick off more revelry at the DSO Gala's official after-party. Emerald City Band's Elevation had late-night guests — including Clint Bradley, Charles Cascio, Zach Hess, Graham McCall, and Lucrecia Waggoner — on the dance floor well until the wee hours. Christian Reif, Joshua Bell Rhonda & Fraser Marcus Cece & Ford Lacy Roger & Marina Gault Jan Miller & Jeff Rich After-party scene Kymberley & Tony Scalia Key & Catherine Coker Chairmen Barbara & Don Daseke Clay & Lisa Cooley, Kim & Greg Hext Kathryn & Craig Hall Kara & Randall Goss