Symphony is losing a 'steadying hand'

In a world focused on the rich and famous, there are times when we need to step back and recognize milestones of the insufficiently sung heroes who move the world forward. This month, Doris Gallant is retiring from the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.

She arrived 18 years ago with no symphony, musical or nonprofit experience and quickly made herself invaluable. While she has the long title of senior director of business administration & human resources, the words fail to capture the fact that she is the orchestra's steadying hand. I certainly would never have guessed during her first interview that she would one day be the longest-serving staff member in the organization's almost 70-year history. During her almost two decades, she has been the mother who makes sure everyone is safe, well cared for and capable of driving the music forward. She oversees all hiring, for years made sure the concert season started and ended with proper celebrations, and assured everyone had everything they could need.

She is a tremendous loss, but leaves the orchestra stronger than she found it. The world would be a far better place if we were all Dorises.

Michael Pastreich, Executive Director of The Washington Ballet

Former Executive Director of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra