When Mart Johnson sat on the board of the Grand Rapids Symphony from 1975 to 1984, the organization was experiencing one of its largest stages of growth. The organization hired its first group of professional musicians for the DeVos Quartet, transitioning from a community-based to professional orchestra. The Symphony also moved operations to the DeVos Performance Hall during Mart’s tenure. While the organization still resides at the same hall, it has rapidly changed since Mart’s time on the board.

“I know that Mart would be proud to see how far we’ve come,” said Diane Lobbestael, Senior VP for Development of Grand Rapids Symphony. “Mart and his wife, Dottie have provided so much to the Symphony and we are forever grateful for their time and contributions.”

Today, the Grand Rapids Symphony has more than 50 full-time and 30 part-time musicians in the orchestra and is a $10 million organization.

-Diane Lobbestael, Senior VP for Development of Grand Rapids Symphony