Cornelia Freeman with her granddaughter, Mary Cornelia Freeman and her great granddaughter, Anna Kate Lawder Freeman Shakespeare put it this way: “If music be the food of love, play on!”

The South Carolina Philharmonic and its audience of 2000 did exactly that last Saturday evening, as “Happy Birthday” rang out in the Koger Center in honor of the 100th birthday of its most notable supporter.

On February 11, 2012, Cornelia Freeman celebrated her 100th birthday the same way she has celebrated life in the Midlands for decades: by attending a concert of classical music.

“We were so honored she chose to spend her 100th birthday with us,” says Rhonda Hunsinger, executive director of the South Carolina Philharmonic, “ but not in the least surprised. She has dedicated most of her life to supporting music in our community, and I can’t think of a better place to celebrate than with some of her favorite musicians and an appreciative audience of 2,000.”

Cornelia Freeman with Winkie and Dick Goodwin. Dick Goodwin played for a Valentine’s dance in Freeman’s honor. Photos by Jim Covington Mrs. Freeman’s far-flung family agrees, and all of them except two, who were held up by business commitments, came to celebrate the weekend with her. The Freeman touch persists in Richmond, Virginia, where her granddaughter Erin Freeman now serves as associate conductor of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Two years ago, Erin led the South Carolina Philharmonic as guest conductor in January 2010.

Just about every aspect of the Columbia music scene has benefited from the generous touch of Mrs. Freeman’s musiclover’s hand. For many years she has contributed generously to music programs at the University of South Carolina and the South Carolina Philharmonic, inspiring others to join this support.

This birthday cheesecake from Villa Tronco has the same candles Cornel ia Freeman’s mother had on her 100th bir thday cake in 1977. The September Sunday series of chamber music at the University bears her name recognizing the support she made possible for one of their music scholarship programs.

“She is a musical angel,” says Dean Tayloe Harding at the University School of Music. “She is universally beloved for her warmth, her focus, and her unwavering devotion to preserving the power of music to improve and enrich lives. Her dedication is a living example of Carolina’s Promise at work in music.”

Mrs. Freeman is credited with refusing to let live symphony music die in Columbia 50 years ago, convincing Columbia’s leaders that a live symphony orchestra was necessary for this state’s capital city. Once that project was established, she moved forward with the formation of the Symphony League, which remains today the top donor and support organization of the Philharmonic.

Cornel ia Freeman began shar ing her love of music early. For the 90th birthday of her husband, Robert E. L. Freeman, in 2001, Cornelia bought out an entire concert of the South Carolina Philharmonic, so everyone could share his birthday celebration. It turned out to be a memorial to him, as he died just a few months before that occasion, but the party went on to honor him.

Last Thursday evening, Dick Goodwin’s band played for a Valentine’s dance in her honor. And on Friday, she hosted an Open House at Still Hopes, the retirement center where she now makes her home.

Saturday lunchtime found the family at Villa Tronco for lunch, a suitable venue as it is one of Columbia’s oldest restaurants. And that evening, the entire family. numbering about 30, trooped to the Koger Center for the South Carolina Philharmonic concert where she was recognized with flowers and song.

Carole Anderson, host of the Afternoon Music Club’s birthday party for Cornelia Freeman On Sunday, a family supper allowed everyone to visit together. Monday, Carol Anderson hosted the regular meeting of the Afternoon Music Club which has been the focus for much of Cornelia’s attention over the years. And on Tuesday, a Circle from Washington Street Methodist Church brought their meeting to Still Hopes so that their distinguished member might be included.

“My mother lived to be 107,” says Cornelia Freeman. “She taught me inspiration and perseverance, among other things. All my life I have pretty much said yes when something needed doing. I would think to myself, ‘Well, I probably can get that done.’”

Cornelia Freeman with her sons: (l-r) Robert, John and James, and daughter-in-law Jeannie Freeman Mrs. Freeman relishes announcing that she shares the February 11 birthday date with Thomas Edison. “ He found a way to create light from electricity,” she says. “I like to think I have made some light along the way, too.” Her many admirers and friends say she definitely has.