An Evening of Gratitude Celebrates Donors

by Meranda Dooley, Manager of Individual Giving

Every spring, the MSO hosts An Evening of Gratitude, an event in appreciation of the Symphony’s generous individual donors who give at or above the Vivace level. A record-breaking turnout of over one hundred guests attended on Tuesday, May 19th at the Nakoma Golf Club. Guests enjoyed conversation and a hosted bar in the Presidential Lounge before proceeding to the Nakoma Room, a beautiful space with large and plentiful windows that provided a view of the Capitol building in the distance.

Executive Director Robert Reed opened the evening with remarks on the successful 100th Anniversary season that will conclude after the upcoming Centennial Festival Weekend. Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner of beef bourguignon, chicken pomodoro, marinara tortellini, salad, and sides. The program resumed with reflections on the season’s performances by Music Director John DeMain and a presentation by Director of Development Casey Oelkers on the MSO’s Education and Community Engagement programs, sharing the impact that donor support has in providing music experiences for people of all ages. Finally, guests heard a lovely chamber music performance by the Galaxie String Quartet, an ensemble of MSO musicians Maynie Bradley, violin, Hillary Hempel, violin, Kayla Schultz, viola, and Alex Chambers-Ozasky, cello. The quartet performed works by Haydn, Debussy, and an arrangement of a traditional Danish song. In a delightful conclusion of the evening, randomly selected guests could take home the floral centerpieces and everyone received a box of chocolates handcrafted by fellow donor Abigail Ochberg.

Thank you to all who attended this year’s Evening of Gratitude. We always appreciate the opportunity to spend time with you outside of Overture Hall, and it was an honor to recognize you and reflect on the incredible 100th Anniversary season that your generosity supported! The next An Evening of Gratitude will take place in the spring of 2027. Individual donors who contribute gifts of $3,500 or more (Vivace level and above) to the MSO Annual Fund receive an invitation to this special event. For information about this event and other benefits of giving, visit madisonsymphony.org/individual.