The inspiration for my love of music came from the music teacher who brought Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony into our fourth-grade classroom. I had not had any exposure to classical music prior to that, although there was music in our home. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the Fifth, and for Christmas that year my family bought me a record player and a copy of the Fifth Symphony. I literally listened to it each night as I did my homework. It still thrills me!
In sixth grade, my class in Wheaton, Illinois, took a “field trip” to Orchestra Hall. I do not recall the program, but we sat in the Upper Balcony and the sound was all-encompassing. The beauty of the hall in combination with the music ignited my love of the Orchestra and my later service for years on the Chicago Symphony Women’s Board.
Paul Chummers — who later served as manager and acting general manager of the Orchestral Association (now Chicago Symphony) — contributed to my love of classical music. Paul and I would go downtown after school to a music store and play classical music in a little glass booth in the middle of the store. Paul introduced me to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, another lifetime favorite; then there was Baroque music, which has remained my favorite, and finally, opera.
My life has been significantly enriched by beautiful music, and I want future generations to benefit from that same enrichment. What would a world without beautiful music be like? I want to help ensure that Chicago Symphony remains at the center of beautiful music!
Candace Broecker Loftus
