by Michelle Hoffman
MYSO and the Senior Symphony recently teamed up with Make-A-Wish® (MAW®) Wisconsin to fulfill the 8,000th wish of the 40-year-old organization, a milestone achievement. Eighteen-year-old vocalist Lulu Altman harbored a dream: to perform on a grand stage accompanied by a large orchestra. On February 24, 2024, at the Bradley Symphony Center, Lulu’s Wish was granted in spectacular fashion. Accompanied by the 100-member Senior Symphony, she took center stage during MYSO’s Founders Concert, captivating an audience of 1,000 family, friends, and supporters of both organizations.
The journey to this magical moment began back in April 2023, as MAW® Wisconsin President and CEO Patty Gorsky explains, “when Lulu decided that her wish would be to sing with an orchestra, we knew…MYSO has such an amazing reputation in this town and impacts so many kids’ lives. What an opportunity for them. Kids helping kids…kids making the wishes of other kids come true.”
Artistic and Music Director Carter Simmons describes the energy running through the orchestra: “to have Lulu with her beautiful heart and voice come to us has excited all of us, especially the kids [in the orchestra].”
Simmons adds, “they can’t wait to be able to play this style of music, and they are excited to support a young person like them…this is a dream come true for them, too.”
Lulu‘s integration into the orchestra began in December. With Simmons, Lulu selected four show tunes to sing with the orchestra. Each selection held deep personal significance for Lulu, and each reflected different chapters of her health journey.
Despite her battle with Lupus since the age of nine, Lulu finds solace and strength in music. She shares: “when I’m singing, I don‘t have pain, I don’t have headaches, I don’t have anxiety…anything that I usually feel that is uncomfortable or painful or unpleasant…it’s just gone.”
MAW® Wisconsin went all out in making Lulu‘s experience unforgettable. From her grand entrance in a limousine to the enthusiastic cheers of supporters, to the professional styling of her outfit, hair, and makeup, and with jewelry from Kesslers Diamonds—every detail was carefully orchestrated to create moments Lulu would cherish forever.
Reflecting on the journey, Gorsky speaks for all those involved: “it’s been so fun and inspiring and wonderful, and it’s filling our hearts with joy to help make Lulu’s wish come true.”
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