As the Alabama Symphony Orchestra season drew to a close over Memorial Day Weekend, Resident Conductor Chris Confessore, Associate Conductor Daniel Cho and a gathering of musicians, volunteers, hosts, staff and supporters came together at the home of Liz Saunders in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Highland Park to celebrate the collaborative spirit that defined a memorable season.
The evening honored 12 musician host families, whose hospitality is essential to sustaining visiting artist participation. This season, host families welcomed 33 musicians from 10 states, providing an extraordinary 406 nights of lodging. The impact extended well beyond a warm bed—collectively, the program generated more than $50,000 in estimated savings for both visiting musicians and the orchestra, reducing travel expenses while forging meaningful connections between artists and the Birmingham community. Hosts in attendance included Cathy and Barry DeLozier, Ruth and Will Varnell and Esther Vegesina.
Liz Saunders has been at the heart of this hospitality tradition—founding the host program eight seasons ago and, more recently, helping launch the orchestra’s volunteer program in the fall of 2024. That program has quickly become an essential part of the concert experience, with volunteers serving as ushers, greeters and community ambassadors who advance the orchestra’s mission of enriching lives through music. The coordinators who lead these teams at each concert were recognized with special appreciation during the evening.
Also celebrated were Douglas Croker, this year’s recipient of the Elton B. Stephens Board Service Award, and Georgia Miller, recipient of the Dr. Sandra R. Apolinsky Service Award for volunteerism.
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a commissioned garden fountain created by western Canadian artist Douglas Walker. Designed as a tribute to music and the orchestra community, the sculptural work weaves together trumpets, trombones, saxophones, flutes and French horns into a centerpiece that reflects the spirit of the celebration.
The evening was a reminder that great symphonic performances are built not only by the musicians on stage, but by the volunteers, hosts, coordinators, board members, sponsors and staff whose dedication makes it all possible.
