Klaus Gottlieb – Full Article

June 2025

Klaus Gottlieb, SLOS Board Member

My name is Klaus Gottlieb. I am an estate planning lawyer in San Luis Obispo and a proud member of the SLO Symphony Board of Directors.

I grew up in a small town in Germany near the Dutch border. Occasionally, my parents took me to concerts in the big city—memories I still cherish. But my real love for orchestral music was nurtured by a few inspiring high school music teachers and a “Classical LP of the Month” club. That club introduced me to an eclectic mix of works, ranging from baroque to 20th-century composers, greatly expanding my musical horizons. As a teenager, I was—understandably—most drawn to the romantics. Over time, my tastes evolved. One highlight of that evolution was discovering the Stokowski Bach transcriptions, which remain a fantastic entry point to the world of J.S. Bach.

Fast-forward to today. My wife, Monika, and I recently had the privilege of commissioning a new orchestral work by composer Stefan Podell, Cayucos by the Sea. This unique piece of program music blends electric guitar with full orchestra and reflects our love of the Central Coast.

I serve on the Symphony Board as a member of the Development Committee. One of our key initiatives is the Planned Giving Program, which allows you to include the Symphony in your estate plan. Donors who make such a commitment are welcomed into the Virtuoso Society, which offers wonderful opportunities for recognition and fellowship with other music lovers.

Thank you for being part of the Symphony family and supporting this vital cultural institution.

Warm regards,

Klaus Gottlieb