Ellen and Paul Gignilliat
Friends of the Family

If you were to overhear Ellen and Paul Gignilliat speaking about the CSO, you could easily assume they were reminiscing about experiences with their family members and closest friends. They often refer to the CSO as "family", which is hardly surprising given that the CSO has been a part of their lives since they begain attending concerts together while dating in 1955. Almost 50 years later, Ellen and Paul are among the more active patrons. Ellen serves as both a Governing Member and as a 30+ year member of The Women's Association. Paul has been a CSO Trustee since 1987 and a Life Trustee since 1999. He has been involved in various campaigns for the CSO and is currently serving as Chairman of the Theodore Thomas Society. Ellen and Paul believe that Planned Giving should be a priority at any institution that depends on donations for its livelihood, and they are delighted that the CSO has such an extensive planned giving program with so many committee members.

"I think that planned giving is extremely important, as it will be the life-spring for a lot of organizations. Feeling this way, Ellen and I decided to include the CSO in our estate plan." This is in addition to the support they provide as contributors to the CSO Annual Fund. Ellen added, "Anything that helps to perpetuate the institution is vital to its future."

One of their fondest memories of the CSO was the Patrons' Tour to Russia in 1990. They chaired this historic tour, which exemplified the family feeling that CSO patrons find when traveling together overseas. Ellen remarked, "I felt this tour was a coming together of our CSO family." They enjoyed bonding with the other patrons, many of whom have become close friends.

Back at Symphony Center, Ellen and Paul are pleased to see so many new faces, especially among the Theodore Thomas Society membership. Their presence is testimony of the long range support of the CSO and they are an important part of its legacy. Paul commented, "the CSO family has grown, which is wonderful. The CSO must continue to nurture broader participation."

Ellen and Paul also enjoy bringing their grandsons Paul and Phillip to Symphony Center. "We attend the Kraft Family Matinee concerts and Welcome, Yule! Concerts," stated Ellen. "They have such a great time. Every child needs music. We love sharing the CSO with them and we hope it will play an important role in their lives, too."

Finally while they delight in many aspects of the CSO experience, like many others Ellen and Paul are drawn to the Orchestra first and foremost because they love music. Ellen observed, "I just love the fact that I'm involved with one of the best orchestras in the world."

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