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The Valley Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce Dr. Joseph and Suzanne McDonald as the recipients of the 2020 Cultural Leaders of the Year award. The McDonalds are longtime leaders and participants in the Valley Symphony Orchestra community and are counted among the organization’s most loyal and valued supporters.
The McDonalds have been a part of the Valley community for more than 40 years. Born in McAllen but raised in Altoona, PA, Dr. McDonald returned to McAllen to establish his pediatric practice after medical school at St. Louis University. After 43 years of serving Valley families, he retired in 2016. Mrs. McDonald is originally from Cambria County, PA and holds an undergraduate degree from St. Francis College and a Master of Education degree from Pan American University. She taught at the elementary level in both Pennsylvania and McAllen.
The McDonalds are lifelong arts practitioners and supporters, having played instruments including the banjo, piano, and flute and sung in academic and community ensembles. Mrs. McDonald currently performs with the Valley Symphony Orchestra Chorale. The McDonalds have two daughters who are trained in the arts including ballet, theater, and music and are both currently public school teachers.
Both Dr. and Mrs. McDonald have served on the VSO board of directors as well as numerous other civic boards. Currently, Dr. McDonald serves on the Hidalgo-Starr County Medical Society Board and Mrs. McDonald serves on the McAllen Convention Center Advisory Board.
“Dr. and Mrs. McDonald have been some of our biggest champions over the years,” said Maestro Peter Dabrowski. “The Symphony has been through many ups and downs and we have always been able to count on the McDonalds for guidance and support and to do whatever it took to make us successful. Their love of music, the Valley, and of this organization is an inspiration.”
“We have watched and participated in the development of the VSO and are delighted to receive this award as Cultural Leaders,” said Mrs. McDonald. “We are very encouraged by the enthusiasm and support that others are giving to the music and arts community in the Valley.”
Dr. and Mrs. McDonald will receive the Cultural Leaders award at the 2020 Valley Symphony Orchestra gala event, BRAVO! VSO, taking place February 6, 2020. The evening will feature white glove dinner service, a bucket auction of luxury items, and an exclusive one-night-only performance featuring piano, cello, and opera selections. Tickets are on sale now and more information can be found at www.valleyorchestra.org or by calling the VSO office at (956) 661-1615.
BRAVO! VSO
Thursday February 6, 2020
at the McAllen Convention Center Ballroom
Honoring the 2020 Cultural Leaders of the Year
Dr. Joseph and Suzanne McDonald
Honorary Chair
Sony Rego
For tables and sponsorship information, contact Vivian Vargas at vivian.vargas@valleyorchestra.org.
