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Caroline Holt, a long-time music lover of the New York Philharmonic  Learn about the Philharmonic's Charitable Remainder Trusts |
Music has always played a central role in my life. Growing up in Westfield, a small town in New Jersey, I was exposed to classical music at a very early age. In elementary school, we gathered in the assembly hall to hear live concerts (conducted by Walter Damrosch no less) broadcast into the auditorium. And I remember my parents taking me to performances by Paderewski and Menuhin sponsored by the Westfield Music Club, the oldest music club in the state.
I began studying piano and clainet as a child and in high school and at Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia, I played in various music groups and sang in choral societies. Back in Westfield, I became an active member of the music club and taught music in Westfield's public and parochial schools.
The New York Philharmonic became a part of my life more than sixty years ago when as a young adult I first became a member and subscriber. When my children came along, I took them regularly to the Young People's Concerts conducted by Leonard Bernstein. But the most exciting connection I had with the Philharmonic came about through my work with the The Musical Club of Westfield, N.J. Hae-Young Ham, who received a scholarship from the Club, was accepted as a member of the Orchestra's first violin section. What a joy it was to be part of Hae-Young's success and the Philharmonic's good fortune!
The Philharmonic has given me so much pleasure over the years that I have always wanted to do something that would help provide support for the Orchestra's exquisite concerts for generations to come. Through estate planning, I recently created a charitable remainder trust and named the New York Philharmonic as one of the beneficiaries. In this small way, I know I am helping others to experience the wonderful music I have so long enjoyed.
