Joseph Sohm & Leslie Plimpton

Photo by: Eugene Yankevich

Joseph Sohm & Leslie Plimpton — Living Trust

Coming from entirely different backgrounds and perspectives, music and performing arts have had a significant influence on the lives of Joe and Leslie as has the New West Symphony. In his college years, Joe pursued a degree in American History and became an American history teacher-turned photo historian. Joe has always had an appreciation for music playing in Rock and Roll bands. Over the past forty years, he has taken his passion for history and photography across 50 states to eventually combine a love of storytelling and visual arts with music performed by New West Symphony in a highly successful collaboration. Joe continues to collaborate with NWS as a Visual Artist-in-Residence, reprising the original production with new images and musical score. Leslie uniquely came to appreciate music over a period of 25 years as a trained classical ballet dancer. She finds that her affection for symphonic music has deepened over time, enjoying new musical styles as well as classical favorites performed by NWS and guest artists. Now, the couple comes together in their mutual passion for the Symphony in creating a legacy gift that will allow others to find as much pleasure as they have.

Their decision was an easy one once they began to "seriously contemplate their mortality and a plan that secured their financial future," shared Leslie. "Setting up an appointment and completing their living trust was also easier than expected once they found a local estate planning attorney they liked," shared Joe. Not knowing exactly what the balance of their estate would be after providing for each other, they decided on donating a percentage of their remaining assets as a living legacy they can enjoy today.

For close to 20 years, Joe and Leslie have been subscribers, sponsors and collaborators on various programs and performances. Each has also served in leadership roles on the board and hosted and participated in fundraising events. They are excited about Joe's ongoing artistic role, encouraging others to join the new Legacy Society, and getting to the Symphony whenever possible.