Saying farewell to Judy Fair-Spaulding

Judy with CSP President and CEO, Nathan Newbrough

The following is from our principal second violinist, Rebecca Lee, in honor of Judy Fair-Spaulding:

Today we say goodbye to one of the Philharmonic’s most important benefactors, Judy Fair-Spaulding. She is moving to Albuquerque. There she will have a view of the mountains out her windows and lots of open sky, the sight of which will nourish her soul, but she won’t have “her own” orchestra as she has here in the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. In the orchestra’s early years, Judy revealed prodigious generosity which inspired and motivated others to put their confidence and money into the fledgling Philharmonic. Without her help it is not clear whether we would have survived. What warms out hearts to Judy, even more than her sheer generosity, is that she perceives our relationship to be reciprocal: she says it was the music that preserved her sanity in the long labor of caring for her husband with Alzheimer’s. We are glad to have played our part in providing this potent medicine in her life. The very existence of orchestral music is such a gift to us all; she received and recognized the gift and sacrificed to keep it thriving in Colorado Springs. Thank you, Judy.

But that’s not the only great thing Judy has done for the CSPO. For two years she chaired the committee tasked with finding us a new Music Director. Starting with 14 committee members and 250 candidates and ending with Maestro Josep Caballé-Domenech, and a universally pleased and excited Philharmonic family, is no small feat. It is clear she did a superb job.

So you can tell that Judy is a doer, but to understand her place in our hearts, a word must be said about her character and style. She is realistic and adventurous, straight-forward and down-to-business, happy, affectionate and easy to be around. She stands in where help is needed, gives it her all, plays an essential role, and never gives the impression that she is particularly important. She give herself easily to what she believes in and bows out of the spotlight just as easily. Even her moving away is so Judy. Her work here is done. But she says she’s not far away and will be back for visits. We are glad of that.

Thank you, Judy!