Page 33 - Phil opening night program digital final

community makes a difference. I also think the Phil’s
support of other nonprofits is important. When you help
another organization, everyone benefits. A rising tide Paula: RAPID FIRE
floats all boats.
The Phil has a long history in Plymouth, and I think its FAVORITE PLACE IN PLYMOUTH?
connection with young people is especially important. Old Sandwich Road—especially
Seeing younger generations experience live music is driving past Whip’s Farm.
incredibly meaningful.
SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE
What role does music play in your own life—and WOULD BE SURPRISED TO
what do you think it gives to a community? LEARN ABOUT YOU?
I have spent a lot of time at Tanglewood the past 20
summers, and there’s something magical about being I gave a TEDx talk entitled “Low Tech
outside at a concert. I’ve even met up with Steven there Love: The Power of the Handwritten
when he was an understudy for a Boston Pops concert! Note.”
But music’s role in a community goes much deeper. I still
make a point of visiting with patrons and donors that I’ve MOST ADVENTUROUS THING
known for decades. Many of them once attended concerts YOU’VE EVER DONE?
with a spouse who had passed away and now felt awkward
coming alone. Fly fishing in remote Alaska access
I started introducing women to each other and by a float plane—and being about
encouraging them to come together after being widowed. 20 yards from grizzly bears. More
Some became friends. They were able to continue enjoying than once!
something that had been meaningful to them.
Music is there for happy times and sad times. It keeps us WHAT SONG ALWAYS MAKES
centered, brings people together, and can help fill some of YOU HAPPY?
the social spaces we lose when life changes. Dancing Queen by ABBA

As the Phil enters its 111th season, what do you IF YOUR LIFE HAD A SOUNDTRACK,
hope people continue to discover about the
orchestra? WHAT SONG WOULD BE ON IT?
I think of an orchestra as a playground for the These Are the Days by Van Morrison
community—a place to experiment, learn, play with
others, and have shared experiences. DESCRIBE MUSIC IN ONE WORD.
Listening to live music is so different from sitting at home
with a recording. You come out, see people, open your Joy
horizons, and hear something in a different way.
Sometimes you’re hearing a piece for the first time;
sometimes you’re hearing one you’ve known for years.
Either way, it can feel fresh and rewarding. I hope people Learn More About Paula and
continue to see the Phil as a place to come together, WH Cornerstone Investments
discover something new, and share an experience with https://whcornerstone.com/
their community.

Season 2026/27 Music is the Answer! ~ 31