Philharmonic subscriber Dr. Funmi Atilola is a Product Development Manager at Corning Incorporated. Dr. Atilola earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and has lived in the Southern Tier for the past ten years. In addition to her love of music, Funmi's interests include languages and literature, traveling, and binge-ing period dramas. She is also an animal lover and an avid baker.
We recently had the opportunity to chat with Funmi about her experience as a Philharmonic concert-goer and subscriber.
Binghamton Philharmonic: What inspired you to subscribe to the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra?
Funmi Atilola: My first experience with the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra was the “May the Fourth Be with You” concert in 2023. In addition to being a music-lover, I'm a huge science fiction and Star Wars nerd. Being at that concert was truly an amazing and emotional experience, and after that, I was hooked!
I was very impressed by the caliber of talent in the orchestra, and I also really enjoyed the community involvement and sponsorships [the Philharmonic's spotlight on local non-profit organizations]. I got a phone call a few days later, asking about my experience as a first-time concert goer; I thought that was a very nice personal touch, and so when I received information about subscribing a few weeks later, it was a very easy decision.
BP: What are your favorite things about being a subscriber?
FA: I enjoy knowing that I have guaranteed tickets for the concerts I've selected for the season. I also enjoy having something to look forward to, and planning my activities in Binghamton for concert day.
BP: Do you have any special concert-going traditions?
FA: Since I live in the Corning area, I try to make good use of my drive to Binghamton and make a day out of it. I enjoy going shopping before a concert, and going out to dinner before or afterwards. For the “Other Worlds” concert in May, I wore my Superman t-shirt to get into the spirit of the theme!
BP: Subscribing gives audience members access to preferred seats and lower ticket prices -- but we all know that there are also all kinds of intangible benefits that come from subscribing, like being deeply connected to a community of fellow music lovers. What is a meaningful "deep benefit" that you've experienced as a Philharmonic subscriber?
FA: A deep benefit for me this season was being able to offer my companion voucher to my neighbor for the “Winter Wonderland” concert in December. We drove to Binghamton together, had dinner at one of the suggested restaurants, and had a lovely time getting to know one another. She was so thrilled with being able to attend the concert, and she thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the live screening of the film The Snowman and the singalong; she kept raving about it on the drive back home. I also loved the concert, and it was really a special night for me to be able to create this memory with her and get to know her better, all thanks to the companion voucher and sharing the gift of the Philharmonic.
BP: What would you like to tell others about the Philharmonic?
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra is a special slice of Upstate New York. There is such a rich variety and diversity of music and talent, there's truly something for everyone, and a great deal of community involvement as well -- including the sponsored nonprofits and free tickets for kids. Being a subscriber and attending concerts has truly brightened my year, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming season!
And we're looking forward to seeing you this season, Funmi! Subscribers like you brighten our year, too!