Editor’s note: These stories were written by two musicians of the LA Phil who were affected by the fires in Los Angeles January 2025 and compiled by Los Angeles Philharmonic Delegate Ted Botsford.
Gratitude for the Orchestra Community
by Marion Kuszyk, Los Angeles Philharmonic
There are certain events in life that can change a person forever. The night of January 7 was one of those moments. Before January 7, my husband Brent and I were focused on fixing up our new “empty nester” home in Altadena that we purchased just a few months prior. This house represented stability in our lives, and it felt so peaceful residing there. Our youngest child successfully graduated high school and started college, so we were finally starting to focus on the two of us.
Then the Eaton Fire ravaged Altadena, and our lives were upended in a way that I didn’t even know was possible! Somehow we started muddling through the chaos—dealing with finding a new place to live, insurance, starting over with all new stuff—all while struggling with grief and uncertainty. While all this sounds daunting, one wonderful thing I learned is that I can believe in people! So many people wanted and still want to help, and we learned that it’s okay to accept help. We simply would not have made it through to this point without everyone’s incredible support!
Los Angeles Philharmonic President & CEO Kim Noltemy and the Philharmonic’s board of directors have been amazing, and numerous other people reached out as well. Too many to count; however, I do have a special shout out to the oboe section of the Toronto Symphony. Even though I have never met any oboist in that orchestra, Principal Oboist Sarah Jeffrey took the time to coordinate with the section there to send a “care package” of reeds as well as other reed making supplies. I was so touched, especially because reeds are so personal and I, for one, tend to hoard mine. It’s true that the last thing anyone wants to do after an epic wildfire wipes out their home is to sit down and make reeds, but this enabled me to start getting back to the business of making music instead of insurance calls!
It’s overwhelming and there is not enough I can do to express the amount of appreciation that I have for EVERYONE who have reached out. Honestly, I got teary when I received a check from all the ICSOM orchestra donations. I feel the love and it’s overwhelming! I cannot thank you enough and it makes all the difference in the world. It’s a long journey to recovery but I know we’ve got this!
Back to Normal: Are We There Yet?
by Christopher Still, Los Angeles Philharmonic
It’s been five months since the fire took our home in Altadena. We have an architect. The lot has been cleared. There’s progress. Tangible, documented progress.
I just wish my mind felt as clear.
People keep asking, almost every day, “How are you guys doing?” Someone literally asked me that five minutes ago. And I’m never quite sure how to answer. I smile. I say, “we’re hanging in there,” or “little by little.” Something that acknowledges their support, which I truly feel and appreciate, without trying to summarize the full mental terrain of post-trauma logistics and daily emotional aftershocks.
The other kind of reminder? That’s quieter, but just as relentless. A dozen times a day, my brain still reaches for things that no longer exist. Where’s that blue shirt? The stapler? That awesome vintage straight mute that belonged to my dad? Oh right. Ash.
Because we’re not going back to normal. We’re moving forward—into something we haven’t seen before. Right now, the neighborhood is still just dirt and construction fencing. But it will be different. The houses, the stores, the skyline. Even the birds will sound different.
I’m still writing thank-you notes by the dozen. Still overwhelmed by the generosity of friends, colleagues, and strangers who showed up in ways big and small. That part hasn’t faded.
There’s still music to be made, coaching to do, life to live. And we’re doing all of it. Just with a little more perspective, a little less stuff, and a lot more gratitude.
We’re not “back”—but we’re still here.
The support we’ve received from across the ICSOM network has been nothing short of staggering. Donations, messages, offers of help—so many acts of solidarity from colleagues around the country. If you haven’t received a thank-you note yet—or seen one hanging on the musicians’ board—please know it’s on the way. We see you, we feel you, and we are so grateful.
Editor’s note: Pacific Symphony Delegate Rob Schumitsky also submitted the following message regarding the impact of fires to musicians in his orchestra. Due to space constraints, it appears in the online version only.
Two contracted Musicians of Pacific Symphony have been displaced from their homes due to the recent Southern California wildfires and are now navigating the uncertainty of insurance delays, toxic exposure, and temporary housing. Several long-time Substitute and Retired Musicians have also been deeply affected, with some facing the total loss of their homes.
These Musicians continue to show up, performing at the highest level while quietly managing the enormous challenges of displacement, recovery, and rebuilding. For artists who depend on consistency and routine to do their work, that stability has been completely disrupted. And yet, even amid this uncertainty, they continue to bring their full artistry to the stage, often without the time or space to fully process what they’re going through.
