In a letter sent to Dallas Symphony Orchestra board members, board chairman  Blaine L. Nelson and interim president David Hyslop announced that the orchestra successfully raised $5 million during its late-2011 emergency fundraising campaign, ensuring that the symphony’s 2011-2012 season will be completed as originally programmed.

The fundrasising blitz came as Nelson said in November that the funds would need to be raised or the DSO was in danger of running out of cash by the end of January. The $5 million, which came from board, musicians, staff, existing and new donors, as well as corporate and foundation gifts, will ensure that the DSO will continue to play through the Fall of 2012. In the letter, Nelson and Hyslop also lay out a new goal: the DSO will have to raise a total of $15 million by December 2012 to remain on target with their current fiscal plan.

In addition to stating the current financial status of the DSO, the letter also outlines a plan to take the symphony to performance halls in a number of outlining North Texas communities. The DSO will perform at the Allen ISD Performing Arts Center on February 10, as well as Southlake on March 8. The DSO will continue its annual concerts in Greenville and plans additional dates at other area venues outside the Meyerson Symphony Center. The DSO will also continue its residency at the Vail Valley Music Festival this summer.

The symphony continues its subscription concert series this weekend with a homecoming performance for musical director Jaap van Zweden. Van Zweden was named Conductor of the Year by Musical America in 2011.