The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera’s 2025–26 season opens with a powerful performance—one made possible in part by the extraordinary generosity of Captain Larry and Toni Taylor. As we gather to celebrate the music that unites us, we also celebrate the lives of two individuals whose love, courage, and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on our community.
Toni B. Taylor, who passed away in April 2025, was a remarkable woman whose life spanned continents and generations. Born in Stuttgart, Germany, and raised in the small town of Crailsheim during the turbulent years of World War II, Toni developed an early resilience and grace that would define her life. She was a gifted linguist, fluent in four languages, and pursued a career in hospitality before joining Lufthansa as a ground stewardess—a role that fueled her lifelong passion for travel and human connection.
It was at the Nürnberg Airport that Toni met her future husband, Captain Larry L. Taylor, an American helicopter pilot and Vietnam War veteran who would later be awarded the Medal of Honor for an act of extraordinary bravery. Their love story began at first sight and led to a marriage that lasted more than 50 years, rooted in shared adventure, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to one another.
Toni’s life in Chattanooga was one of purpose and passion. She built a successful career in the travel industry, forming lifelong friendships with her clients, and found great joy in sharing the world with others. But above all, Toni found beauty and solace in classical music. She held a special reverence for the works of Beethoven, whose music echoed her own strength, complexity, and compassion. Whether attending live performances or playing recordings at home, music was the constant thread that brought her comfort, reflection, and joy.
Her husband, Larry, a true American hero, matched her generosity with his own. From flying over 2,000 combat missions to rescuing fellow soldiers under enemy fire, his life is a testament to bravery and service. Yet it was the quiet acts—the steadfast support of local nonprofits, the love he showed Toni, and their shared commitment to community—that speak just as loudly of his character.
As we raise the curtain on a new season, we do so with profound gratitude to Toni and Larry Taylor. Their support helps make this night possible, and their story reminds us that music, like love, endures beyond time.
This performance is dedicated to Toni’s memory—a woman of intelligence, wit, and warmth, whose life was as vibrant as the music she cherished.