Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Mourns the Loss Of Molly Sasse French, Former Executive Director

The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera is deeply saddened by the death of Former Executive Director, Molly Sasse French.

"Molly was an extraordinary leader, very much well-known and loved by the musicians, staff, and patrons of the CSO and by the entire community. She loved music and loved this symphony and we are pleased to have been an important part of her life. On behalf of the board of directors, we would like to convey our deepest condolences to her family," said CSO President of the Board Don McDowell.

Sasse French served as the Executive Director of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera beginning in 2007 and was widely credited with increasing and enhancing the scope of the CSO, while making the organization more financially stable. After resigning from the CSO in January 2016 for medical reasons, Sasse French remained an avid supporter of the CSO and attended concerts and events as often as she could. A fixture in the community, she was active in many local and national organizations and at her church, First Centenary United Methodist.

Current Executive Director Samantha Teter said, "When I was promoted to Executive Director after Molly's resignation, I knew that I had big shoes to fill. Molly was respected by so many in the community. The CSO is stronger because of her nine years at the helm, and her influence on this organization will be sorely missed."

Services for Sasse French will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 3pm at First Centenary United Methodist Church on McCallie Avenue. The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera will perform its Thursday, October 20 Masterworks concert which will include Beethoven's Choral Fantasy, a work that according to Music Director Kayoko Dan celebrates art and life and was a personal favorite of Sasse French, in her memory.

Memorial gifts to the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera may be made by calling 423.267.8583 x 2103 or visiting www.chattanoogasymphony.org.

(Photo Credit: Sarah Stewart)

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