At a Traverse Symphony Orchestra (TSO) fundraising event Monday, Executive Director Kedrik Merwin announced that a donor had gifted $100,000 to name the principal flute chair of the orchestra in honor of her late husband.

Marlis Mann gave the donation in tribute to David Mann, who served on the TSO board of directors from 1990 to 2004. David Mann served as president of the board and chairman of the search committee to recruit a new conductor and music director for TSO in 2001, leading to the hiring of current Maestro Kevin Rhodes. Following David Mann's death in 2004, Marlis Mann was elected to the TSO board to continue the family's involvement and support of the orchestra. She served from 2005 to 2017.

Monday's TSO fundraiser event carried the theme "Music Matters," with various musicians and guests sharing messages about individuals who impacted their lives through music. Marlis Mann's $100,000 gift in David Mann's honor was made as part of that theme. Inspiration for the contribution also came from Marlis Mann's admiration for current TSO principal flutist Nancy Stagnitta and Stagnitta's work with composer David Amram, according to Merwin's remarks.

The Marlis and David Mann Principal Flute Chair will now be the permanent name for the principal flute chair of TSO. Merwin said the donation not only honors David Mann's legacy but is a "tribute to the outstanding musicians of the TSO." He added: "We couldn't be more honored, humbled, and thrilled by this momentous gift."

Pictured: Marlis Mann signing donation paperwork with TSO Executive Director Kedrik Merwin