Volunteer Q&A: Margo Oberman

What inspires your love of music?

I believe music is a universal language to which everyone can relate and from which everyone can benefit by adding art to the fabric of their lives. As far as my personal experience is concerned, classical music transports me to places that capture my innermost soul, especially during this past year. It awakens my senses and allows me to just be in the moment. I never cease to be thoroughly amazed how a composer can hear all the instruments in his/her head and then interweave the melodies, harmonies and rhythms in such a way as to allow the maestro and orchestra to provide such uplifting experiences and to bring sheer pleasure to the audience. At the end of the day, music is a uniting force that brings us all together as one while at the same time providing a cultural base for our society.

What is one of the activities or events that has been the most meaningful to you?

I would definitely answer the Senior and Veteran Engagement Program that I started with the Negaunee Music Institute in 2010. When Ricardo Muti became music director of the CSO, he declared that a main segment of his mission was to prioritize reaching out to the greater Chicagoland community and connecting with underserved communities where classical music is not so readily available. He also wished to make the orchestral experience more accessible for pensioners. In keeping with Maestro Muti’s outreach, this project sought out seniors (and then veterans) who would otherwise not be able to attend a concert because of financial, physical and/or transportation concerns. Three free open rehearsals a season were allocated for this purpose. The SVEP has been a win-win for everyone, and the response to this program has been overwhelming. The joy and appreciation expressed after each performance, the many thank-you emails and notes, and the monies collected have shown how this program has been so well received. The gratitude shown by each senior and veteran group who attends speaks volumes. This SVEP program is one more long-term success in furthering the goal of the CSO and Maestro Muti to broaden exposure of quality classical music to many audiences throughout the greater Chicago community.

Why did you decide to join the League?

I joined the League in 2001. I had been co-chair of the Operathon at Lyric Opera for several years, and one evening during a break, I had a conversation with one of the volunteers. She was quite involved with the League and recruited me to join. I went to a couple of meetings and realized that these were individuals who had common goals with my own … supporting the CSO with energy and dedication. They were committed to promoting and inspiring the beautiful music emanating from Orchestra Hall. I have met many incredibly gifted CSOA staff members and board members along the way, which has made this journey all the more worthwhile. Their passion, as is mine, is music, and I am so proud to be a part of bringing the great gift of the richness of classical music to the Chicago community!

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

It’s very clear that without volunteers and donors, serious music would not long survive. With this realization in mind, many of us have come together to help preserve the art form we so value. In addition to being part of the effort to enable the future of classical music, I have found that — as is almost invariably the case — I have gotten far more from my involvement than I have put into the effort at the CSO, including not just the music but friends and relationships as well. Additionally, we are ambassadors for the CSO. What a privilege it is to be associated with a world-class orchestra in Chicago; the best in our nation! As I said before, music is a universal language, and it must be preserved for future generations. Quite simply, it is up to all of us to make it our mission to ensure that happens. With the recent defunding of the endowment of the arts, to say nothing of the effect of COVID-19, we must do whatever we can to preserve this necessary cultural art form for the ages.

What are you most looking forward to when the CSO returns to live concerts?

Having been away for over a year, I naturally look forward to the magic of Orchestra Hall. Walking in the building and feeling the buzz and excitement, seeing friends, taking my seat and listening to live classical music from one of the greatest orchestras in the world is a transforming experience, and we have been far too long without it.