Yesterday,  CBS News aired a story about Dallas’ ties to Sendai, our town’s International Friendship City. Today, the Dallas Symphony announced that a “significant portion of the proceeds” from its March 31-April 3 concerts will benefit Sendai — the closest major city to the earthquake.

Jaap van Zweden will conduct Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony and his Piano Concert #1, performed by former Van Cliburn winner Olga Kern.

No word on what “significant portion” means but here’s the full press release:

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Performs Benefit Concerts for Japanese Sister City

Significant portion of proceeds starting today will go to devastated city of Sendai

DALLAS, TX (March 22, 2011)—The Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) announced that starting today, a significant portion of the proceeds from its March 31-April 3, 2011 Texas Instruments Classical Series concerts will benefit Sendai, Dallas’ International Friendship City and the closest major city to the earthquake’s epicenter.  The concerts, led by Music Director Jaap van Zweden, will include both Tchaikovsky’s Manfred Symphony and his Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by international star and former Van Cliburn Competition winner Olga Kern.

“As an organization, we were stunned by the news of widespread devastation in Japan,” said DSO President Paul Stewart.   “The fact that our sister city Sendai was one of the most impacted areas immediately made us start thinking about how we could use the resources of the DSO to help, so we contacted the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth.  We look forward to working with these new friends and some of our long-term friends with ties to Japan, like Texas Instruments, to use this weekend of inspiring music and charity to bring relief to the people of Sendai.”

While the downtown area of Sendai did not suffer serious damage, the coastal areas were nearly destroyed by the tsunami.  Most homes still standing do not have access to vital utilities, according to city representatives of Sendai.

“Our friends in Sendai are deeply touched by news of the outpouring of support from the people of Dallas/Fort Worth,” said the Japan-American Society of DFW Executive Director, Anna McFarland.  “We know that Sendai has a long recovery ahead, and we appreciate this special initiative by the DSO to help.”

Ticket prices for the DSO benefit concerts range from $18-$114 (just $5 for up to 2 children under 18, accompanying an adult) and can be purchased by calling 214-692-0203 or by visiting DallasSymphony.com.  Representatives from the Japan-America Society of DFW will also be on-site to provide information and to collect donations for Sendai.