Master of Her Fate

When Dava Biehl graduated from high school, she was expected to attend college and become a teacher, so that's what she did. Given a choice, though, she would have preferred a liberal arts degree.

For more than 20 years, Dava taught foreign languages and psychology in the Wilmington School District (Ohio), and she was a principal in the Hillsboro and Blanchester School Districts, respectively.

Through a family member's unexpected estate gift, Dava was able to retire early. The gift allowed her to follow her dreams and curiosity into the arts world for the education she longed to have.

While attending an opening at the Cincinnati Art Museum, Dava was invited to attend a Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) concert. Years had passed since Dava's last CSO concert at Music Hall, even though she had been blown away by a recent CSO television performance with then-Music Director Paavo Järvi—so she jumped at the concert opportunity.

Inspired by the performance and the musical excellence of the CSO, Dava met her estate planner and made an estate provision, joining the Schippers Society even before attending the concert. Dava believes supporting the CSO is the best use of what she will someday leave behind.

Love and commitment to the CSO led to learning about music, traveling the world on tour with the CSO and making lifelong friends. Through her generous estate gift, Dava ensures future generations will be able to enjoy the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Like Dava, you can ensure the CSO continues to inspire future generations with a gift in your estate. For more information, please contact Kate Farinacci at kfarinacci@cincinnatisymphony.org or 513.744.3202.