Society / Profiles

The Dallas Opera’s No. 1 Fan Makes a World of Difference

Lynn Mock's Musical Background Drives Her to Get Involved

BY Caroline Lidl // 05.09.19
photography Ana Hop

In its third year, NorthPark Center’s Ambassador program boldly merges the worlds of fashion, art and philanthropy, by way of celebrating the city’s top influencers and the nonprofits they support. NorthPark‘s chosen few embody a rare-air kind of style — a group that contains equal parts fashion sense, civic leadership, and larger-than-life personality.

Here, we catch up with Lynn Mock and learn about her passion for The Dallas Opera. Northpark and the Dallas Opera come together for a special Mother’s Day weekend performance on Saturday, May 11. Sopranos Courtney Stancil and Gabrielle Gilliam, accompanied by Mary Dibbern, will perform popular love songs and arias, with an emphasis on ones performed by Broadway’s leading ladies and famous moms.

It’s a day that Mock loves.

Why The Dallas Opera?
I fell in love with opera as an undergraduate voice major at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas when I attended a performance of The Merry Widow in San Antonio. After graduation, I pursued a Master of Music in the Opera Theater at the University of Texas at Austin. I never miss an opportunity to bring greater awareness to the world of opera, and in particular to Dallas’ own world class opera company, the Dallas Opera.

A benevolent memory.
I have so many fond memories of the many projects and events I have been privileged to chair for The Dallas Opera. These include The Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition; helping reimagine the Opera’s education and community outreach programs as chair of the education committee; the season opening celebration FIRST NIGHT and last year’s Springs Gala.

However, founding and creating FIRST SIGHT, The Dallas Opera’s fashion show and luncheon, back in 2013 when I was chairing FIRST NIGHT is perhaps my most favorite and fulfilling memory. How thrilling it is to have watched FIRST SIGHT grow and thrive, and to have NorthPark Center become its presenting sponsor is a dream come true!

Philanthropic influencers. 
My parents taught me the importance of being an involved and contributing citizen to the community in which you live. My father felt we all have duty to make a difference in the world around us, and he and my mother were generous with their time and treasure.

Role models.
My role models are the same today as they were when I was young… my father and my first piano teacher. They taught me about respect, empathy, integrity, the value of hard work, being resilient, and the joy of life long learning.

NorthPark Center is at the center of combining art and fashion. Describe your own art and fashion interests.
I love the juxtaposition of traditional with modern, whether it’s in a decor or when dressing. I like offsetting clean lines and classic styles with a touch of flair, with something a little unexpected and unique.

Your day job.
I still perform occasionally, and my husband and I co-own the production company Lone Spring Arts. In addition to my board service for The Dallas Opera, I serve on the Board of Trustees for my alma mater, Southwestern University, and spend several days a week in Georgetown as an executive in residence.

Looking forward.
I’m looking forward to performing at the Georgetown Festival of the Arts in May, and to The Dallas Opera season continuing in January with The Robert E. and Jean Ann TITAS Art Song Recital Series performance by Simon O’Neill and Manon Lescaut on March 1, 2019… my husband and I are hosting the opening night cast party.

I’m also ready to start my commuter life again and to be back on Southwestern University’s campus after the holiday break.

NorthPark memory. 
I have always thought of NorthPark Center as a hub for our family and the Dallas community. It wasn’t until I had the pleasure and privilege to attend a private tour of NorthPark Center led by Nancy Nasher that I truly appreciated the thoughtful art curation and meticulous planning that goes into shaping the NorthPark experience.

Advice to your younger self. 
I would share something I recently read… “Impatience is a form of fear and doubt. When you keep rushing to get results life will keep giving you resistance. If you truly understand that what is yours will come to you in the right season, you will release your focus on the clock. Remain patient and trust divine timing. When you think you are down to nothing, the universe is up to something. Stay patient and faith full.”

On the horizon in 2019.
My daughters and I have dubbed 2019 the year of more self-care, trust and faith. We will continue to work hard, but take time to be mindful and listen to our bodies. We will worry less by trusting and having faith that everything will work out as it was meant to. Cheers!

Dallas Opera’s FIRST SIGHT fashion show and luncheon is October 17 at Winspear Opera House.

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