There are trips you remember for the places you visit, and then there are trips you remember for the people you share them with. Our recent donor journey through France was wonderfully full of both.
This journey was inspired by our Music Director, Chloé, whose connections and love for her home country made this an experience unlike any other. We built the itinerary around her conducting La Belle Hélène with Opéra Grand Avignon, creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cheer her on in one of France’s beautiful historic opera houses. Along the way, she welcomed us into her world, introduced us to colleagues and artists, and gave us an insider’s view of France that simply couldn’t be found in a guidebook. One of my favorite memories was our welcome dinner, where she introduced us to her delightful daughter. It was such a joy for our travelers to meet her family, and it immediately made the trip feel personal and special.
Over ten unforgettable days, we wandered through streets, stood in awe beneath centuries-old architecture, enjoyed incredible meals, listened to world-class performances, and soaked in the beauty of Provence and Paris. But as I look back through my camera roll, it isn’t just the landmarks that stand out—it’s the laughter around dinner tables, the conversations on train rides, the excursions on busses and shuttles and the friendships that grew stronger with every passing day.
One of the greatest gifts of traveling together is getting to know one another beyond the concert hall. Watching our donors connect over shared experiences was genuinely one of my favorite parts of the trip.
We were incredibly fortunate to have Laurie as our guide throughout the adventure. She somehow managed the impossible—keeping our group moving seamlessly while sharing stories, humor, and insight. Her warmth and patience each day feel effortless, and we are so grateful for the care she showed every member of our group.
Of course, music remained at the heart of everything we experienced. From unforgettable performances to behind-the-scenes opportunities, we were reminded again and again that music is more than something we attend, it’s something that connects us all.
These journeys are about more than seeing beautiful places. They’re about building a community of people who care deeply about music and about one another. Every shared meal, every standing ovation, every stroll through a historic square strengthened the relationships that make our Philharmonic family so extraordinary.
To everyone who traveled with us: thank you for your enthusiasm, your sense of adventure, and your wonderful company. It was a privilege to experience France together, and I hope the memories we made—the music we heard, the friendships we built, and the moments we shared—stay with you for years to come.
Until our next adventure… merci beaucoup!
