Generations of Giving

As Houston's longest-established performing arts organization—now in its 105th year—the Houston Symphony has inspired multiple generations of Texans.

The story of one of those families begins 73 years ago when Max Levine, who had moved to Houston to open Foley's department store, joined the Symphony Board. His legacy continues today with his granddaughter, Kerry Levine Bollmann, a new member of the Symphony's Legacy Society.

Born and raised in Boston, Max Levine attended Boston Latin School and Harvard Business School. After graduating from Harvard, he began his long career in the retail business.

Max and his wife, Marcella "Marty" Levine, were fixtures of Houston philanthropy for decades. Their daughter-in-law, Cheryl Levine, notes that "they split up the philanthropy. Max supported the Symphony and the United Way," while Marty supported Houston Public Television, among many other nonprofit organizations. As Max said, "We cover more territory working separately." Marty was also a good friend of Houston Symphony founder, Ima Hogg.

Max was recruited to the Houston Symphony by fellow retailer Simon Sakowitz, who enlisted his help for the 1945 Annual Fund. Max was a tireless volunteer fundraiser for the orchestra, chairing the Maintenance Fund in 1951 and again in 1969-1971. As he put it, "If I had to ask for something for myself, I'd probably be tongue-tied. But when you're raising money for something you know is good for the community, it's an enjoyable challenge."

He served the Houston Symphony Society as Treasurer from 1950-1952, and as a Vice President for a quarter century from 1952-1977, including a stint as Finance Chair from 1969-1973. He recalled that Gus Wortham "named me Finance Chairman without ever asking me. But when Gus Wortham asked, there was no way of saying no."

Max's daughter-in-law and granddaughter describe him as a very intelligent, energetic reasonable man who commanded great respect. Cheryl notes that he was thoughtful and often quiet, and that when he spoke, everyone paid attention.

Foley's was a cornerstone of the retail business in Houston, and, under Max's leadership, a generous supporter of the Symphony, including sponsorship of the "Sounds of the 70s" pops series and a summer pops series.

Even after he was no longer President and Chairman of Foley's, Max retained an office in the store—and a secretary, Miss Duvet—well into his 80s. He came in every day, walking the floor, talking with employees. He became President of the Houston Symphony Endowment in 1981. When he retired from the Board six years later, the Houston Symphony Society named Max its first director emeritus, and in 1990, the Brown Foundation endowed the Symphony's named Concertmaster Chair in his honor. Max passed away in 1991.

In the 1980's, Marty would take their granddaughter, Kerry, to attend Family Concerts—memories Kerry still cherishes. As an animal lover, she particularly remembers loving performances of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf.

Now with a family of their own, Kerry and her husband, Kris, recently joined the Houston Symphony's Legacy Society, which recognizes people who provide for the Symphony in their estate plans. Their estate contributions support the Houston Symphony Endowment, which ensures the orchestra's long-term stability over the decades.

As the mom of a 2-year-old son, Keaton, Kerry has joined the Society at a younger age than most, because she appreciates the importance, not just of her beloved grandfather's legacy, but of what the Symphony means to the city her family calls home. As she puts it, "I want the Symphony to be here for Houstonians like my son for generations to come."

Kerry has a special appreciation of her family's legacy now that Keaton is starting to enjoy music. Both Kerry and her mother note that young Keaton is mesmerized by the sound of violin. Max's great-grandson recently attended his first Houston Symphony Family Series concert, Peter and the Wolf, continuing a great family tradition well into the 21st century.

A Tradition of Giving

To learn more about ways you can support the Houston Symphony for generations to come, contact Hadia Mawlawi at Hadia.Mawlawi@HoustonSymphony.org or 713.337.8532.