What inspires your love of music?
Music for us is a universal language with which people have communicated and enjoyed being together across the centuries. One can go to any country in the world and become involved by the music regardless of the spoken language or the format. Music makes people feel good.
What initially drew you to the CSO?
When I [Dr. Mary Houston] was in college in Indiana, some tickets to the CSO were given to me. They were for the center of the lower balcony. I cannot remember the symphony that night, but I remember being completely swept away by the quality and sound of the music. Later I met my husband, James, who sang in the Chicago Symphony Chorus for many years, and became more involved with the symphony through subscription and other activities. It has been an important part of my life for the past 50 years.
Why do you feel it’s important to support the CSO as a member of the Theodore Thomas Society?
We wish to give those who come after us the same opportunity to participate in and appreciate symphonic music. We want others to have the opportunity to be swept away by the sound and emotion that often comes from the symphony. We sincerely hope that the opportunity to enjoy the symphony continues for our daughter’s generation and those who come after.
