Volunteer Council

The DSO Volunteer Council promotes the artistic excellence of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and raises funds to support its educational and community outreach program.

Volunteer Council activities include events for prospective members and membership teas and luncheons, along with fundraising events such as Musical Feasts and the Nutcracker Luncheon.  In addition, in past years the Volunteer Council has also occasionally sponsored a major fundraiser such as a designer showhouse, a celebrity luncheon or an auction. FUNraiser events may also be added to the calendar where members can gather and enjoy camaraderie and fellowship in a relaxed setting.

To become a volunteer, download our application form.

Stay up to date and download our current Volunteer Council Newsletter: Council Notes, Winter 2013

Each year the Volunteer Council presents the Volunteer of the Year Award, based on outstanding service for that year.  The 2012 recipient, announced at the Annual Meeting in June, is Ginny Lundquist. read more

The Alice Berberian Haidostian Award recognizes dedicated and consistent volunteer service over a long period of time, and thus is not necessarily presented annually.  The dedication and volunteer contributions of Mary and Ken Beattie were honored with this most prestigious award at the June 2012 Annual Meeting. read more


 

Upcoming Events

For information about any of these events, contact the Volunteer Office at 313-576-5154.

 

Musical Feasts XXVI (2013)

View the complete 2013 Musical Feasts season brochure (PDF) for more specific information on all the feasts planned for the rest of the year, including the proposed menu and scheduled musical performance, then reserve your spot by calling the DSO Volunteer Council office at 313.576.5154. 

Remember, each reservation directly benefits the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. 

Musical Feasts which still have openings as of April 15, 2013 include the following: 
 
South Beach Fusion
6:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Birmingham
Musical Performance:
    Chris Collins, Ensemble
    Andrew Wu, violin
    Rachel Harding Klaus, violin
    Hart Hollman, viola
    Haden McKay, cello
Attire:  Snappy Casual
$175 per person

Contemporary Fall Splendor
6:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Franklin
Musical Performance:
    Bill Lucas, trumpet
    Craig Rifel, bass
    Joseph Becker, drum
    Ellen Rowe, piano
Attire:  Dressy
$175 per person

Crème de la Crème
6:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Grosse Pointe Park
Musical Performance:
    Yoonshin Song, violin
    Kimberly Kaloyanides Kennedy, violin
    James Tocco, piano
Attire:  Dressy Casual
$225 per person

Nestled in the Woods
11:30 a.m.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Franklin
Musical Performance:
    Randy Hawes, trombone
    Kathryn Goodson, piano
Attire:  Casual


 

Volunteer Council Leadership

2010-13 Officers

Janet M. Ankers, President
Deborah Savoie, VP for Projects (President-Elect, 2012-13)
Ellie Tholen, VP for Public Relations
Dr. Nora Sugintas, VP for Membership
Virginia Lundquist, VP for Outreach
Esther Lyons, Recording Secretary
Mary Beattie, Corresponding Secretary

Board of Directors

Katana Abbott
Marlene Bihlmeyer
Gwen Bowlby
Gloria Clark
Jill Jordan
Sandie Knollenberg
Deborah Meade
Eva Meharry
Lynn Miller
Gloria Nycek
Todd Peplinski
Charlotte Worthen
Julie Zussman
Kelly Hayes – Ex-Officio (Immediate Past President)
Eleanor Siewert – Ex-Officio (Parliamentarian)

Orchestra Liaisons

Mark Abbott
Marcus Schoon

Past Presidents

Kelly Hayes, 2008-10
Debra Partrich, 2006-08
Gloria Nycek, 2004-06
Maureen T. D'Avanzo, 2002-04
Barbara Diles, 2000-02
Lucy T. Debol, 1998-00
Diane Hoeft Varisto, 1996-98
Annette Balian, 1994-96
Marjorie S. Saulson, 1992-94
Mado O. Lie, 1989-92
Marianne Endicott, 1988-89