Naomi Borwell
Growth and Appreciation

Naomi Borwell lights up when she recalls past CSO Patrons’ Tours. “Oh, there have been so many wonderful experiences,” she laughs. “On my first tour, in 1989, we were headed to London but our plane was rerouted to Gander. Instead of Claridge’s, we all wound up at the boarded up Sinbad Motel – it was quite a bonding experience! Another time, I remember sitting in a lovely beer garden talking with several of the Orchestra members. I was initially quite nervous – I mean, these are such talented people – but they couldn’t have been nicer and it turned out to be a wonderful evening. So many people have added to my life as a result of traveling with the Orchestra; and I think that some of my enjoyment of the symphony now comes from knowing many of the musicians.”

It wasn’t always so – in fact, Naomi’s earliest memories of Orchestra Hall had nothing to do with the CSO. A piano student from the age of seven, she recalls coming downtown as a teenager with her teacher to hear the great pianists of the day – “Rubenstein, Paderewski, Rachmaninoff. I wasn’t really all that interested in symphonic music as piano was my primary focus. It was many years after that, maybe in my 20s, that I actually attended a concert of the Orchestra.”

But slowly, over the years, her increased exposure led her to develop a greater appreciation. Eventually, Naomi and her husband Bob were regular Thursday night subscribers, later changing to a Friday afternoon series. Her interest in the organization grew and soon she joined The Women’s Association and later became a Trustee. “I think that if you’re interested in any organization, you want to contribute what you can. I also like to be a part of things, to know what’s going on.”

That desire to be involved was the impetus for her serving on the Endowment & Investment Committee for several years. “I found that fascinating because I truly believe in the importance of an endowment for continuing financial health. It impressed me very much that, without exception, the Trustees were adamant about building and preserving the endowment – about ensuring that it is always there for the future.”

To further support the endowment, Naomi has made a planned gift to the CSO and in doing so, joined the Theodore Thomas Society. “I think it’s extremely important that an organization has the means to do the things it wants. A solid endowment offers a greater degree of flexibility.” She is so passionate about the idea that she has convinced several organizations to establish endowments of their own. “When making my estate plans, I have been quite clear: if you don’t have an endowment fund, you don’t get the money!” she chuckles.

Reflecting on the many years that she has been involved with the CSO, Naomi notes, “I have gotten far more from the symphony than it has gotten from me. There are few things since my husband died that have truly changed my life. The symphony has been one. I already had an interest in the music, but it gave me a chance to become part of something meaningful, to get to know people; it’s been a really wonderful addition to my life.”

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