For David and Mary Caroline Mitchell and Steve and Joyce Nardulli, hosting Illinois Symphony Orchestra musicians has become more than a volunteer role—it’s a deeply personal joy.
The Mitchells began hosting over a decade ago, seeing it as another way to support the Symphony. Since then, their home has been filled with music, laughter, and friendships that last long after the final bow. They fondly recall late-night popcorn and wine after rehearsals, breakfasts of waffles and eggs, and heartfelt conversations about music and life. For them, hosting adds a special layer to every concert: “We receive way more from the musicians than anything we may give,” Mary Caroline reflects.
The Nardullis, who started in 2018, have hosted more than 130 visits from musicians representing states across the country—and even from overseas. They keep a guest book filled with signatures and stories. Some visits have turned into remarkable coincidences: two violinists who met for the first time in their living room discovered they were from the same town in Taiwan and had even attended the same grade school. Today, they remain close friends. The Nardullis, too, have built lasting bonds—sharing Thanksgiving dinners, meeting new babies, and even hosting musicians at their grandchildren’s soccer games.
Both couples emphasize that hosting is flexible and simple—typically a two- or three-night stay with breakfast provided, though some hosts choose to offer more. The musicians gain privacy, home-cooked meals, and the warmth of being welcomed into a family, while hosts gain friendships, cultural exchange, and a deeper connection to the Symphony itself.
As Joyce puts it, “Why not try it? You save the Symphony money, you give musicians comfort, and you receive an experience you’ll treasure forever.”
Interested in hosting? You may find, like the Mitchells and the Nardullis, that opening your door also opens your heart—and makes every performance all the more meaningful.
Contact Jane Schurter for information and to become a host family: [email protected]