Spotlight: Tricia and Jason Pantzer

Tu B’av (the 15th of Av – also the 15th of August this year) is the Jewish Valentine’s Day. Enjoy this heartwarming AFIPO love story in honor of the day!

I met my husband, Jason, at an AFIPO gala back in 1998. He was there because his mother was involved in the organization. I was there because my friend had gotten tickets and invited me to join. I met Jason, we got to talking, discovered our mutual love for music… and long story short, Jason looked my number up in the phone book and we went out on our first date a week later!

We’ve been involved with AFIPO ever since. From serving on the Board for nine years to hosting events at our home in the Hamptons, to chairing the gala multiple times, to my current position as Chairman of the Executive Committee of AFIPO, we’ve enjoyed actively participating in AFIPO events across the state. Years after that first meeting, Jason and I have three daughters together, all of whom are musically and theatrically inclined.

I have a great appreciation for the arts and my connection to Israel’s greatest cultural ambassador strengthens my dedication to the country. When Jason and I first got a chance to visit Israel, we went to the IPO archives and were able to find the concert program from the night we met-January 21, 1998.

I’m excited for the future of the IPO because of the fresh perspective Lahav Shani will bring. The Orchestra is heading in a direction to appeal to groups of all ages, including younger people, which I think is not only smart but also speaks to the remarkable future of our Orchestra. The Orchestra is reinventing what it means to love classical music and Israeli arts, and I can’t wait to see what they do next!