Bill White, a resident at the Brookdale Oak Dale Senior Living community in west suburban Oak Park, received a memorable birthday “Wish of a Lifetime” at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s concert Oct. 5, led by Zell Music Director Riccardo Muti.

A former lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps and longtime employee of Standard Oil, White was a CSO subscriber, along with his wife, Adele, for more than 26 years during what he describes as “the Solti years.” White, who turned 96 on Oct. 5 and whose wife passed away several years ago, is now legally blind and unable to attend concerts on his own. His family shared his desire to return to Symphony Center to hear a CSO concert with the Wish of a Lifetime group, which “fosters respect and appreciation for deserving seniors by fulfilling their life-enriching wishes.”

Recently, White and his family learned that his wish was granted and made their plans to attend the orchestra’s matinee Oct. 5, making it a birthday wish come true for this longtime patron to once again enjoy the sound of the CSO.

TOP: CSOA President Jeff Alexander greets Bill White and his son, Jim, at the CSO matinee on Oct. 5.