A LIFETIME OF PRICELESS INSPIRATION

Posted on May 29, 2020

By Dr. William Spady (PJS 1953-1957)

In February this year, I celebrated my 80th birthday. It was also the 66th anniversary of being in the Portland Junior Symphony when Mr. A. conducted his ‘audition’ concert. As you all know, he won the job! That concert was also a real landmark event because Robert Mann, a famous PJS alum, returned to Portland to perform the Beethoven Violin Concerto with us. It was the orchestra’s 30th season.

That 1954 concert, my first year in the PJS, elevated and bolstered the entire trajectory of my life, which I have never regretted for a moment. Imagine, nearly seven more decades of discovering, enjoying, and performing beautiful, inspiring classical music, which, as a high school trumpeter, would have never
happened otherwise!!

Those many years of inspiration prompted me five years ago to add a large contribution to the PYP in my estate plan, and I’m encouraging you to do the same – of whatever size. I felt it was the least I could do to give back to an organization – and its dedicated young people – that has been a unique gift to the greater Portland community for nearly a century now. Know that our financial support to the PYP will stand as a pillar of our personal legacy, both as musicians and as proud sustainers of the cultural life of this community.

Bravo, PYP! May you continue to thrive.