Nancy and John Rutledge
Cultural Connection

"We live in Wheaton, but I like to think we're citizens of the Chicago community," says John Rutledge, referring to himself and his wife Nancy. The world community would be a more apt description. In addition to John's career as a real estate consultant, he is a consultant for the Urban Institute's Local Government Reform Project, a Washington D.C.-based program that helps democratize former socialist governments. This position takes him across the globe and more often than not, he invites those he meets to be guests at their home. "We've had lots of visitors from around the world," says Nancy, noting that the cultural exchange can be both eye-opening and rewarding. The Rutledges bring that same enthusiasm for community and diversity to their experience as CSO subscribers.

"Maybe because we have aisle seats we have gotten to know everyone around us," laughs John. "They're all wonderful. It's such a friendly environment. I feel really comfortable here. When we first subscribed, we sat in the seventh row. The first musician on the stage was always (bassist) Joe Guastafeste. We were usually early and we started to wave to one another. We're now in row L and Joe still looks for us and waves his bow." Nancy adds, "It's like he's acknowledging that there's somebody out there that he's playing for. Musicians pick up vibes of the audience. We're all in this together."

As subscribers, the Rutledges enjoy a wide range of programming. "There's more diversity when you subscribe than what you'd pick on your own," says Nancy. "It's a good mix of repertoire – even the audience changes. For example, when Bobby McFerrin performed, or when Branford Marsalis, Larry Combs and Rob Kassinger did a little jam session after the concerto – it was the same people around us, but they responded so differently. That's what makes it so interesting."

"Both of us have come a long way in our musical tastes," notes John. "Once I thought, BartÓk, ugh. Now we listen to Lutoslawski and Messiaen. One of the reasons, I think, is because we had exposure to that music being performed really, really well. That makes a huge difference."

In gratitude, the Rutledges intend to make a difference of their own through a planned gift to the CSO. "The arts are so important," says John. "Giving back is essential. Not everyone has millions and millions of dollars but almost everyone has something to give."

Nancy agrees, noting that the Theodore Thomas Society welcomes members of modest means. "People think you have to be rich, but what is rich? It's just a different philosophy about savings. What's important is that you do something now so that down the road things go as you want them to. We need to get away from the idea of money. It's more than money. It's stewardship. If you find your passion, you can make an impact. That's how I feel about the CSO."

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