Founded in 1951, the Women’s Association of the Columbus Symphony is the orchestra’s oldest and largest auxiliary. Since its inception the Women’s Association has been committed to: fundraising, youth education, hospitality services and volunteer support.

To enrich the musical education of children and youth, WACSO members plan hands-on activities preceding family concerts and arrange for students to attend concert performances.  Each Spring, the Young Musicians’ Competition is conducted. The Women’s Association provides the Senior Division winner a $500 cash award.

Fundraising is a critical activity of the Women’s Association.  During the 2008-2009 season, $51,075 was contributed to the Columbus Symphony’s Annual Fund.

Usual hospitality services include hosting dinners for visiting artists and orchestra members, welcoming concertgoers to the Patron Lounge, providing refreshments for Side-by-Side rehearsals, and organizing and preparing the annual Musicians’ Appreciation Luncheon. Women’s Association volunteers also assist with clerical needs of the Symphony Administrative Office.

The revised organizational structure of the Women’s Association reflects today’s current society.  Full-time career women as well as stay-at-home mothers may join the Women’s Association directly (with no geographical unit affiliation required as in past years).  Four quarterly General Membership meetings take place on Saturdays. Volunteer activities can be scheduled during non-business hours.  

New members are welcomed year round. Dues are only $25 per year. Click here to download a membership form or contact Assistant Treasurer Nancy Lee at (614) 866-8760.

Upcoming 2010 Fundraisers

Monday, April 26
Annual Caprice-Encore Luncheon and Style Show by Talbot's
Worthington Mall
10:00 a.m.

A raffle and silent auction will also accompany the day's activities. Cost to attend is $30. For more information, contact Darlene Jones at 614-486-3154.

Save the Date - Saturday, June 19
"Passport to France"
5:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Our major fundraiser this season, the fifth in a series of "Passport" events, will be held at the home of Charles and Debra Penzone on June 19. Enjoy an evening of comfortable elegance featuring food from The Refectory, wine, a silent auction, raffle and entertainment. Tickets are $125 each.

We are seeking auction items primarily with a French or musical theme for the silent auction at this event. If you wish to donate to the auction, please contact the Auction Coordinator, Kelly Friar, at 740-965-8212.

For further information about Passport to France, please contact Event Co-Chair Donna Gerhold at 614-471-4550.

Click here for a complete listing of upcoming fundraisers and events sponsored by the Women's Association.

For further information about the Women's Association, you may contact:

President Jan Wade
(614) 488-9401 
Email:  granjan19@columbus.rr.com 

or

Treasurer Jane McKinley
(614) 239-1118 
Email: jhmckinley@ameritech.net

Honoring 50-Year Members
Kay Graf, joined 1950-51
Beth O'Brien, joined 1950-51
Frances Thurman, joined 1951-52
Ingrid Cox, joined 1952-53
June Palmer, joined 1955-56
Josie Chase, joined 1956-57
Priscilla D'Angelo, joined 1957-58
Lois Allen, joined 1958-59

Honoring 60-Year Member
Muriel Gundersheimer, joined 1948-49

View photo gallery of the 2009 Pansy Sale