PHOENIX – The Phoenix Symphony announced today that it will name one of its musician chairs for eminent Arizonans and classical music lovers former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and her husband John Jay O’Connor.  The naming will occur before the symphony concert 7:30 p.m., Thursday, January 11, at Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix.

The Phoenix Symphony is naming the contrabassoon chair in honor of John Jay and Sandra Day O’Connor, for their many years of interest in classical music and their longtime patronage of The Phoenix Sympony, as well as recognizing Justice O’Connor’s status as an eminent Arizonan and Phoenician.  The naming ceremony will coincide with an evening of music, where renowned violinist Midori will play Beethoven’s Violin Concerto.

“This is a great day for the symphony,” said Phoenix Symphony board chairman Gerald Murphy.  “We are proud to recognize Justice and Mr. O’Connor for their service to Arizona and to their country.”

Phoenix Symphony President and CEO Maryellen Gleason said that after Justice O’Connor’s retirement, symphony administration looked for a way to honor the couple.  The naming of the chair, currently held by bassoonist Erik Ludwig, seemed like the perfect choice, since the symphony had recently named a string section chair for a donor.

“The O’Connor Chair will now be a fixture in the symphony, recognizing their great contributions.  We’re ecstatic to be able to honor them in this way,” Gleason added.

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