League President Sharon Mitchell aims to grow, diversify volunteer group

Sharon Mitchell joined the League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association in 2018, drawn to this volunteer group by the “energy, commitment and fellowship” of its members. The League supports a variety of music appreciation programs, fundraising events and educational activities of the CSOA. Mitchell soon deepened her involvement by serving as vice president of membership, and she became president of the League at the beginning of the 2023/24 Season. In the following interview, she reflects on her history with the League and her hopes for its future.  

What inspires your love of music?

The power of music has enriched all aspects of my life. Now, as a senior, all things CSO inspire me. As a child, growing up in a small, deprived, rural community, music gave me an identity and hope.

What drew you to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra?

As a teenager, my music teacher often spoke about the CSO. When my husband, Sid, and I moved to Chicago in the early ’90s, the hospital in New York [where they worked] gave us a subscription to the CSO as a going-away gift. Everything my teacher spoke about was true and more! Later, we retired to Chicago from NYC because of the CSO.

Why did you initially decide to join the League?

A friend of mine introduced me to the League, knowing of my love of the CSO. I attended an Annual Meeting and was so impressed with the energy, commitment and fellowship that I joined. I only wished that I had known about the League sooner.

What is one of the most fulfilling activities or events that you have been part of during your time with the League?

There are many; my first Musicians’ Luncheon stands out as a highlight. However, my most rewarding project was the holiday card and contribution project completed in December 2020. Each CSO musician received a holiday message from a League member, and a contribution was made in the honor of the musician.

What motivated you to serve as president of the League?

It was an opportunity to give back. The League has given me so much, especially friendship and amazing experiences. I knew that I had huge footprints to fill that had been carved by League presidents before me, but now seemed the right time to try.

What are your hopes for the League during your time as president?

In my first president’s message in September, I spoke about my personal goal for the League, which is diversity — expanding our membership to include more new members representing not only diversity of age but also of culture, race and gender. It is my belief that our membership and our CSO audiences should look more like our greater Chicago community.

Do you have a favorite concert or other memory of the CSO?

There are so many; I often say to my husband at the end of a CSO performance, “If only [the composer highlighted] could have come back for just another hour to have heard this performance.” However, two stand out in my mind and my heart. One, the Shostakovich Festival held in 1999. Given that my husband and I have traveled the world to hear Shostakovich, we were thrilled when the CSO had the festival. Who plays his music better? Twelve glorious concerts with Rostropovich himself!

The second is the opening concert at Carnegie Hall with Maestro Muti performing Orff’s Carmina burana in 2012. Having been a season ticket holder for years at Carnegie Hall, I was quite familiar with the ambush for the exits about five to 10 minutes before most concerts end. This evening, no one moved, and at the finish, there was complete silence and then the most robust applause I had ever heard in this historic hall. I was bursting with pride for my beloved CSO and the Maestro.

Is there a concert or event that you’re especially looking forward to this season?

All CSO concerts are a thrill to me; every Saturday night is “date night” for Sid and me at the CSO. There are so many League events; however, two events that I most look forward to is Corporate Night, sponsored by the League and offering the opportunity to assist the CSOA in raising significant funds for the organization, and the Musicians’ Luncheon, also sponsored by the League, which honors our CSO musicians who have served our magnificent symphony for 30 years.

Why do you believe it is important for volunteers, donors and patrons to support the CSO?

It is our responsibility to assist the CSOA in serving and promoting this great orchestra and its global mission and future. We set the example for others, especially through exposing, encouraging and educating future audiences!