JOANNA JERISON

Joanna was elected as one of the CSO’s newest Board members in August 2020; sadly and tragically, she lost a short fight against an aggressive, fast-moving form of lymphoma on October 21, 2020. An environmental lawyer with the Environmental Protection Agency, her two greatest passions were music and hiking. She was a member of the CSO cello section for 10 years.

Joanna was a deeply enthusiastic musician and a warm-hearted, soulful friend. She always had a place in her car for anyone needing a ride to rehearsals or concerts, and she was often the first to volunteer to host several of our guest artists coming in from out of town. Joanna's passing signifies not just a tremendous personal loss for many—it also throws into stark relief the unmistakable magic of this community, and the power of music to bond us.