In 2010, Mei-Ann’s Circle of Friends was founded as a women’s philanthropic initiative to honor the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s former Music Director, Mei-Ann Chen, and to increase support for the Symphony Fund. During its formative years, the Circle was shepherded by Ellen Robinson Rolfes, who was the driving force behind its inception, mission, and success. In 2018, MSO dedicated the Circle of Friends in her honor.

The Circle of Friends represents diverse community investors who recognize the importance of people from different networks coming together through a shared vision to expand cultural relatedness. They have a sense of social consciousness and a desire to work as an instrument of intentional inclusion through the arts. Most importantly, the members embrace a commitment to ensure equity, diversity and inclusion remain core values of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

The Circle’s shared vision is recognized in the increased diversity of the MSO’s audience and patron base.  In 2020, the Circle established THE MUSICIAN FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM. With the understanding that this mission – bringing broad-based inclusivity into the performing arts – will take years to develop, the Circle’s vision has created an opportunity for the MSO musicians to better represent the community and help strengthen the vibrancy of our city’s cultural center.