PRIMO 2026
Thanks to You We Surpassed Our Goal!
If you have any questions, please contact Morgan Ballard-Wheeler at 520-620-9169 or email morganbw@tucsonsymphony.org
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Concertmaster’s Table:
Michael and Elena Patterson
Maestro’s Table:
Cecile Follansbee and Robert Fritz
Principal Musician’s Table:
Karen Bahnick
Juliana Osinchuk and Andrea Crane
Tom and Cande Grogan
John and Diane Patience
Angel Table:
Michael and Kay Anderson
Shirley Chann and Dr. Lori Mackstaller
Carol des Cognets
Diane Drewery and Don Wilks
Drs. Tom Elliott and Cindy Rankin
Louise Glasser and Sandy Maxfield
James and Vivian Schwab
Jeannette Segel
Myra Slocum
John and Jody Williams
Encore Sponsors:
Arizona Arts and Hasan Elahi
Amé Austin and Jefferson Miller
Michael Bylsma
John and Lori Carroll
Dr. Mary Jo Ghory
Joan Person
Ann Redding
Jerry Searfoss
Business Partners:
Penca Restaurante
Providia Partners
Additional Support:
James and Frances Allen
Joyce Broan
John Burcher
Long Realty Cares
Barbara Molotsky
Robert and Lisa Swift
True Concord Voices and Orchestra
Tucson Desert Song Festival
Jeannette Segel, PRIMO26 Maestro Award Recipient
Jeannette Segel began a 15-year career as an opera singer after winning the Chicago-Northern Illinois District Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions at age 21, and placing as a national finalist in the WGN-Illinois Opera Guild Auditions of the Air among other competitions. She performed on regional opera and other stages in New York, Washington D. C., New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Jeannette and her late husband, Harold B. Segel, Columbia University Professor Emeritus of Slavic and Comparative Literature, moved to Tucson in 1994.
Since then, Jeannette has dedicated herself to the performing arts and education as a community volunteer. In leadership positions she has served as Co-President of the Catalina Foothills School District Foundation, President of Delta Delta Delta Alumnae of Tucson, President of the Arizona Opera League of Tucson, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Arizona Opera and currently as President of the Board of Directors of Tucson Desert Song Festival.
Jeannette is also a member of the advisory boards of the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music and the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music. New assignments include the Board of Directors of True Concord Voices and Orchestra, and the Board of Trustees of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.
Jeannette holds degrees in voice from Northwestern (BM) and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (MM) where she studied with Margaret Harshaw.
An Annual Celebration of TSO’s Mission
Live Auction
- Mid-Century Glam Getaway + Limo Night Out
Two nights in a jaw-dropping mid-century showpiece, dinner at Feast, a night at La Rosa—and a limo to top it all off! Get ready for a weekend that’s equal parts swanky and sparkly. Enjoy a two-night stay at Tucson’s iconic Ball-Paylor House in the coveted Blenman-Elm neighborhood—an architectural gem featured in Dwell and Elle Decor. Start with dinner for two at Feast, then head to a can’t-miss performance at La Rosa, Tucson’s hottest new venue inside a restored monastery. Arrive in style with limousine service to and from the show.
- That’s Amore! Flavors of Italy with Chef Donna Nordin, plus TSO’S Dario Brignoli and the TSO String Quartet
A hands-on Italian cooking class, a beautiful lunch, and a private recital of opera tunes—hosted in the home of culinary star Donna Nordin! That’s amore—TSO style! Gather 10 friends for an unforgettable Italian afternoon in Donna’s home kitchen (former executive chef of Café Terra Cotta). Cook together and enjoy a delicious lunch of Milanese and Tuscan favorites—plus TSO Principal Clarinetist Dario Brignoli joins the fun. After lunch, settle in as Dario and the TSO String Quartet perform a private 30-minute salon recital of opera arrangements. A curated selection of Italian wines completes this magical experience.
Photo by Tucson photographer Martha Lochert.
- A Year of Fun and Discovery in Tucson!
Explore and enjoy a diverse range of restaurants, performing arts experiences, tastings, performances, memberships to cultural organizations and iconic stays. Dust off your cowboy boots and head off for a weekend at Tanque Verde Guest Ranch to kick off your adventure. Then, you’ll discover something new every month, with gift certificates to Café a La C’Art, Mojo Cuban Kitchen, and Gallery of Food—inspiring private tastings at Whiskey del Bac, Juniper and Saigon Blossom—performances at UA School of Dance, Arizona Theater Company, Fox Theater, Broadway in Tucson and
the TSO—and memberships to Tucson Foodie, the Rialto, Tucson Botanical Garden—and more! Cap it off with a rare, curator-led behind the scenes tour of the Arizona State Museum’s Archaeological Collections.
- Seven Nights in La Jolla—Plus a 53’ Yacht Cruise
A full week in La Jolla for six—PLUS your own private yacht cruise on San Diego Bay! Sun, sea, and serious style await! Enjoy a seven-night stay for up to six guests in a beautiful La Jolla condo, just a short walk to the beach and downtown’s shops and restaurants. The highlight? A private four-hour cruise aboard Jenny, a stunning 53’ motor yacht departing from the prestigious San Diego Yacht Club—complete with complimentary food and beverages (feel free to bring your favorite spirits). It’s the perfect week to relax, explore, and make unforgettable coastal memories.
- Flavors of Spain and Latin America with Jesús Linárez and Maestro Gómez
Bring the romance of Spain and Latin America to life. The centerpiece of your private Salon Soirée is an unforgettable 30-minute violin recital by TSO’s new Concertmaster, Jesús Linárez, for you and up to 12 guests. Maestro Gómez joins the celebration to share his favorite Spanish and Latin American wines, paired perfectly with tapas from Contigo. Choose to host in your own home—or, save the prep and clean-up by taking up the offer by TSO’s former Board Chair, Cecile Follansbee, to host your party in her stunning Foothills home with sweeping Catalina views.
- Conduct the TSO!
Private conducting lesson with José Luis Gómez, TSO Music Director, THEN winner conducts a short part of TSO’s Special Gershwin Concert. Your conducting debut will be photographed for your wall of fame, and you’ll receive up to 8 concert tickets so your friends and family can enjoy your conducting debut at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall!
Since 2018, the Tucson community has come together to shine a spotlight on Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s commitment to artistic excellence, diversity, partnership, and especially education.
Principal musicians take center stage and share their passion with an exclusive, intimate audience, making for performances unlike any other during the season! Guests enjoy fine wines and a sumptuous gourmet dinner with a performing musician at their table, bringing musicians and guests together. The evening culminates with the presentation of the Maestro Award, given annually in recognition of significant contributions to the TSO, and the premiere of a musical composition by a participant of TSO’s award-winning Young Composers Project. With your help, we raised more than $190,000 last year. This 350% growth since PRIMO began lets us serve thousands of students in nearly all of Southern Arizona’s school districts. Let’s keep the momentum going to serve every school!