New Endowment supports TSO Musicians and Staff along with student musicians

The Estates of Susan B. Kaplin Goldstein and Richard L. Kaplin, Jr., along with their brother William D. Kaplin, created an endowment in honor of their parents, Richard L. and Barbara Bloch Kaplin. This endowment will provide scholarship support for students in the Toledo Symphony School of Music and Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestras, including the creation of a student instrument library for those participating in these programs. The fund will also support ongoing professional development for TSO musicians and staff, with the goal of supporting, developing, and retaining this talent in Toledo for generations to come and ensuring the Symphony's role as one of the region's leading cultural institutions.

"This gift helps us to ensure that no student will be turned away from pursuing music education because of financial need," said Toledo Symphony President and CEO Zak Vassar. "It also gives us the resources to help invest in our talented musicians and staff as they commit to long-term careers with the TSO. We are deeply grateful for this generous gift."

"The Toledo Symphony's longstanding excellence is the result of our musicians' skill and dedication to the orchestra. This new endowment helps us invest in their ongoing professional development, along with supporting the next generation of musicians and music lovers in our community," added Music Director Alain Trudel.

This new endowment honors Richard L. and Barbara Bloch Kaplin's unwavering commitment to the Toledo Symphony Orchestra and its critical role in the community. The Estates of their daughter Susan B. Kaplin Goldstein and son Richard L. Kaplin, Jr., along with their son William, were instrumental in the establishment of this endowment as a lasting legacy of what their parents have done to sustain and enhance the Symphony and its vital role in maintaining and enriching Toledo's vibrant arts community.

"The Toledo Symphony always has been committed to excellence on the stage and in the classroom. This new endowment will support both efforts by investing in people who are the future of our community. We are grateful to the Kaplin family for their investment in TSO's future." added Robert Bell, President Emeritus of the Toledo Symphony.

The Endowment was announced to TSO musicians at the beginning of rehearsal on May 4, 2023 with a special statement honoring the inspiration for this endowment:

The Richard L. and Barbara Bloch Kaplin Endowment Fund would not have taken its clear direction were it not for the vision of one Robert L. Bell.

The scope and breadth of this living document would not have been possible were it not for Mr. Bell's erudite and comprehensive understanding of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra — where it has been, its current state, and where it needs to grow — in order to maintain its role as a leading cultural institution in Northwest Ohio.

The Symphony would not be where it is without his passion, his drive, and his commitment to excellence throughout his more than 65 years of service to the organization. His dedication has contributed immeasurably to a vibrant arts community in Toledo that has enriched us all.

Hence . . .

Let his efforts be forever known to all who read this for generations to come.

And so on behalf of my sister, Susan B. Kaplin Goldstein, whose impetus gave birth to this endowment, on behalf of my brother Richard L. Kaplin, Jr., and from the bottom of my own heart, I say . . .

Thank you, Bob! Bravo!

Bill Kaplin
May 4, 2023