Laura Theofilis

July 1, 1965 – January 29, 2021

The COSMIC family is immensely saddened by the passing of a cherished member, Laura Theofilis. Laura co-founded COSMIC in 1995 to bring classical music to her beloved community. She became Vice President in 1996 and served as President from 1998 until 2010 with her father Jeff Keates as Treasurer and mother Lynn as Secretary. Under her leadership and vision, the Chamber Orchestra of Southern Maryland (In Concert) became COSMIC Symphony and is still the only community orchestra in Southern Maryland. Her hiring of Vladimir Lande, a world-class conductor, proved to be a key factor in the orchestra’s development and we continue to grow and thrive as a result. She also understood the need for more playing opportunities for flutists and in 2007, along with Linda Henry, established the COSMIC flute choir. An inspired and talented musician, Laura performed with the orchestra as Flute Section Principal until 2018 when she became a devoted member of the audience.

Laura attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where she pursued her passion in Music Performance. She dreamed of a career as flutist with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra but, instead, chose to return to St Mary’s County to share her talents closer to family and to better serve her community. Laura loved music. Her joy and enthusiasm were always apparent. She also loved the people with whom she performed, and the unifying force music has on society. The COSMIC community thanks her and her family for their many years of service and support and will strive to honor her legacy when we are allowed to resume our performance schedule.