Martha Herby, who would have had her 57th birthday this past Friday, had one last surprise in store for her orchestral family. Niel Deponte, executor of her estate, announced at this past Friday morning’s rehearsal that in her will Martha had designated funds to be given to the Oregon Symphony for whatever use seemed most appropriate. And so, with much emotion, Niel presented, as the administrator of the Martha Herby Memorial Trust, a check for $50,000 to OSO president Elaine Calder, who accepted it on behalf of the Oregon Symphony Association. The OSA had earlier this season endowed the assistant principal/2nd flute chair in honor of Martha.
Happy Birthday, Martha – and thanks for the gift, wish you were here.