The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra announced it has received  commitment of a $1.85 million endowment gift from the Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation. In recognition of this contribution, ASO is establishing The Mabel Dorn Reeder Honorary Chair.

An ASO musician who demonstrates excellence in musical artistry, leadership, collegiality and community engagement, will be awarded the Mabel Dorn Reeder Honorary Chair for a period of five years.  The chair may be granted to any tenured Orchestra member, including those who already occupy a named chair. Additionally, recipients will receive a one-time $10,000 stipend at the start of their five-year term as the honoree, to be utilized for professional development. The award will be celebrated every five years.

Mabel Cuddy Dorn Reeder was born May 20, 1908, in South Carolina. After she married Thomas H. Reeder in 1936, they moved to Atlanta.  Mrs. Reeder passed away in 2007 at the age of 98.  Her kindness and love of music, education, photography, animals, travel, and history are carried on through the work of the Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation.