My Last Week with the San Diego Symphony, June 1

Dear  Friends,

Well I am officially retired from the San Diego Symphony. Last week my eyes had some leaky moments largely due to the kindness of Jerry, my friends, and my colleagues.

Here are some pics and stories.

First rehearsal on Wednesday: a warm hug from our personnel manager Magda wishing me well, and when I wasn't looking our production manager Jen slipped a card on my music rack with an "official" all-access pass as Pianist Emeritus to the hall and summer Pops site. Needless to say both melted my heart.

Friday night at the first concert I found that an insert was slipped into all of the programs, congratulating the three of us ( Pat, Randy, and myself) for our years of service. Randy is also retiring after over 40 years but Pat has been in the orchestra for 60 years!!!

Saturday night during intermission our friend and colleague Mary made one of her superlative cakes for everyone. The third picture shows Mary, her husband Jon, Shigeko, Jason, and the three retirees.

The last concert began Sunday at 2PM. (Just in case you are wondering it is the same program all three nights: Samuel Barber Overture to the School for Scandal, Gershwin Piano Concerto in F with Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Copland Appalachian Spring, and Bernstein Chichester Psalms with the San Diego Master Chorale.)My friends Wendy (from the balcony) and Shigeko (from the stage) took these pictures.

After the Copland Martha Gilmer,the CEO of the San Diego Symphony, came to the front  of the stage and spoke a few well chosen words about each of us. Our Music Director Jahja Ling personally congratulated us.

It was a week to remember!

All the best, Mary