Inside this issue: Message from Affiliate Chair 1 Spring Celebration 2 Sharleen Eusebio message 3 League of American Orchestras Published by Los Angeles Philharmonic Affiliates 151 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles 90012 Melanie Sanguinet Manager, Volunteer Activities Telephone 323.850.2165 Email Address msanguinet@laphil.org Affiliates Online at: www.laphil.com/volunteer The Web site includes: Master Calendar Committee Pages Affiliates NEWS Music Mobile Affiliate Video Music Mobile 5 Crescendo 5 COPW 6 Leadership Workshop 7 YOLA 8 Valley CommitteeS 9 International Committee 9 Affiliates at Large 10 Glendale Committee 10 Speakers Bureau 11 Westside Committee 11 Peninsula Committee 12 Long Beach Auxiliary 12 Encore Committee 13 B&P Committee 14 LA Philharmonic Committee 15 Foothill Committee 16 4 AFFILIATES NEWS Sheri Gill, Chair MESSAGE FROM AFFILIATE CHAIR Gary Hollander, Editor CONGRATULATIONS, AFFILIATES, on an amazing year! Our theme this past year has been Re-imagination. With this in mind you all have been rethinking every project with the purpose of giving them new life and you have succeeded! Our events have become increasingly more well-attended and dynamic. In addition to continuing with the theme of Re-imagination, we will also be focusing on E X P A N S I O N. Participating with other affiliates stimulates the mind, nourishes the spirit, and fulfills the heart. As philanthropists, we must share the gift of this wonderful organization with others. Let us each bring in one new member next year. The LA Phil and the Affiliates have all the ingredients to provide personal growth and enrichment while advocating the importance of music in the lives of every child and adult. We thank Gustavo Dudamel, Deborah Borda, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Musicians, and all of you for this fulfillment. During the past twelve months, I have had the opportunity to visit all 15 Affiliate Committees. We extend from Chatsworth to Claremont and from Long Beach to the Westside. Each Affiliate group has common elements: world class musicians and speakers; fabulous food; amazing camaraderie; and commitment to the LA Phil. Musical notes embrace us and tie us together. Listening to the outstanding LA Phil musicians in private homes and venues is a rare treat. No other volunteer group offers this caliber of personal creativity to its members. We are privileged to be LA Philharmonic Affiliates and I am privileged to be counted among you. I look forward to a second year filled with energy and enthusiasm as we meet our mission of supporting youth music education at the LA Phil. Warmest wishes, Sheri Gill Sheri Gill
Page 2 SPRING CELEBRATION On May 22 two hundred seventyfive members and guests filled the Dorothy Chandler meeting room for the annual end-of-the-year celebration followed by a luncheon. The event s theme was two fold: to honor past Affiliate chairs and to celebrate the 80 th anniversary of two committees. Affiliate Chair Sheri Gill welcomed all and introduced Deborah Borda, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, who spoke briefly and thanked all the volunteers for their tireless support. She introduced the new chairman of the Board Diane Paul. LA Philharmonic Chairman of the Board, Diane Paul with past Affiliate Chair Kay Stoever Chairs of the event, Margie Baker and Margaret Lulejian, proceeded with the introduction of the fourteen past Affiliate chairs who were present. Three were not present, due to previous engagements. A brief history of the Affiliate program was given. Then, as each chair was introduced and presented with a rose, a short history of her accomplishments was read. It was noted that these women were active and instrumental in the growth of the Affiliates both before and after their two-year term. Fourteen past Affiliate Chairs who were present, along with Sheri Gill, present Affiliate Chair Sheri Gill recognized and congratulated the Los Angeles Philharmonic Committee and the Santa Monica- Westside Committee, both established in 1934, on their 80 th Anniversary. Each Affiliate committee then presented its donation to the Philharmonic. Evie DiCiaccio, Director of Development, graciously accepted the gifts. Sheri introduced the past and present board members. Membership Coordinator Arlyss Burkett announced the membership contest winners. Affiliates at Large won with the highest increase in membership for the 2013-2014 season. Margaret Lulejian introduced Joshua Winograde, director of the LA Opera Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program. After a brief history of the program he introduced tenor Joshua Guerrero and collaborator Nino Sanikidze, whose extraordinary performance was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Immediately following the program the guests entered the dining room for lunch. Margaret Lulejian and Margie Baker (l-r) Deborah Borda, LA Phil President and CEO, Diane Paul, LA Phil Board Chairman, Evie DiCiaccio, Director of Development Tenor Joshua Guerrero and collaborator Nino Sanikidze B&P Committee members with COPW member Nan Flette (captain s cap). Standing: (l-r) Edward Anderson (Inez Lopez' husband), Inez Lopez, Bud Flette, (Nan s husband)
Page 3 SHARLEEN EUSEBIO LEAVES LA PHIL Sharleen Eusebio, who was our Volunteer and Special Projects Coordinator for three years, left the LA Phil on May 22 to pursue a position more in line with her ultimate career goals. The following is a copy of her letter sent to the Affiliates on May 14: It is with bittersweet feelings that I inform you that my time at the LA Phil will be coming to a close next week. I have immensely enjoyed my three years working here as your Volunteer and Special Projects Coordinator, and I am so sad to leave behind all the amazing people I ve met among the Affiliates. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into your lives I ve had no shortage of friends and role models in your ranks. My hope is that I was able to make your Affiliate experience a positive and enriching one during my tenure here. At the same time, I am excited to have accepted a position in the Education Department of the Huntington Library and Gardens. Some of you know that my graduate degree is in Museum Education, so as much as I regret leaving the LA Phil, this move will be more directly aligned with my personal and professional goals. My final day at the LA Phil will be next Thursday, May 22, at Spring Celebration. I am glad that many of you will be there so that I may see you in person before I leave. After that, any volunteer-related matters should be directed to Melanie until a replacement for me is found. If you plan on visiting the Huntington, please look me up I d love to catch up and see how you re all doing! My new contact information will eventually be posted on their website under Assistant to the Director: www.huntington.org/webassets/templates/content.aspx?id=832. Thank you for three marvelous years of showing me what true dedication and generosity can accomplish. I am honored to have been a part of your LA Phil family experience, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. With love, Sharleen
Page 4 LEAGUE OF AMERICAN ORCHESTRAS CONFERENCE The Presidents of two Affiliate Committees traveled to Seattle, Washington, during the first week of June 2014 to give presentations at the League of American Orchestras Annual Conference. The League s Annual Conference (the industry s largest) attracted over 1,000 participants, including 150 volunteers from orchestras of all sizes from across the United States. (l-r) Affiliates-at-Large Committee member Rosie Chiaverini, Affiliatesat-Large President Nancy Howard, Manager of Volunteer Activities Melanie Sanguinet, B&P Committee President Dave Clark Affiliates-at-Large President Nancy Howard accepted a prestigious Gold Book award for her Committee s It s All About the Music classes in music appreciation. Nancy gave a presentation describing this program to colleagues from other volunteer organizations who attended the Conference, and it was well received as an innovative and creative way of getting volunteers more involved with the orchestra and its music. Affiliates-at-Large Committee member Rosie Chiaverini also attended the Conference. Business and Professional Committee President David Clark and LA Philharmonic Manager of Volunteer Activities Melanie Sanguinet were invited to participate in a panel discussion entitled Grassroots Fundraising: Partnerships Between Volunteers and Development. This panel discussion, which included representatives from the Charlotte and Madison Symphonies, was presented as an elective open to all attendees of the Conference, and was standing room only. In their discussion, Melanie and Dave presented the Affiliates Fundraising Workshops series as an example of effective collaboration between the LA Philharmonic and its volunteers. Please click on the following link to see a slide show of this presentation: LA Phil Fundraising Presentation Dave Clark
Music Mobile We completed another spectacular year with Music Mobile docents taking the instruments of the orchestra into the schools as an interactive hands-on program designed to inspire third graders to play and explore the art of creating the magic of music. The in-school program reached over 6,000 students and we were delighted to have the Foothill Committee join the Glendale and Peninsula Committees along with the Walnut Valley School District in this effort. Music Mobile at the Hollywood Bowl in combination with the Speakers Bureau is under the direction of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Committee with the support of the Peninsula Committee and other Affiliate members. This program was presented to approximately 2,800 students this past year. Page 5 participants in November. We presented a program similar to the "Instrument Petting Zoo" to these girls and thank our docents for reaching out to this additional audience. The children enjoy a positive hands-on music experience as they participate! Crescendo Crescendo this year decided to return to its original concept as a weekday morning educational event in private homes. The format was brunch followed by the program. After choosing to place our emphasis on composers, we were extremely fortunate to be able to secure the participation of two outstanding film, jazz and classical composers, Patrick Williams and David Benoit. We were thrilled by their willingness to hold the brunch and programs in their private homes. At the Williams home, we were treated to a fascinating talk followed by a tour of Patrick s studio. We particularly enjoyed hearing The popularity of the Music Mobile came to the attention of Laurel Harris of the LA Phil Group Sales division, who was collaborating with the Girl Scouts of America on a regional convention called "GIRLTOPIA" held at the LA Convention Center for over 16,000 about his experience arranging Frank Sinatra s Platinum Duets recording as well as learning more about his Grammy-winning records and Oscar-winning film score for Breaking Away. At David Benoit s home, we were not only able to learn more about his film and Grammy-nominated jazz compositions, but also were treated to a wonderful live performance of some of his greatest hits, including the beautiful tribute to his wife entitled Kei s Song. Each Crescendo guest was given a complimentary CD from both of the composers as a memento of these special programs. Drums were a hit at the petting zoo. We remain ever grateful to all our dedicated docents, LA Philharmonic staff, Affiliates and individuals who make this vital program possible. Shirley Farley and Margo Penney We are particularly grateful to Shirley Farley, Lois Moore and Phyllis Sherwood for their assistance at both events. Val Noguchi, Alicia Maniatakis and Janet Ceske (l-r) David and Kei Benoit and Patrick and Catherine Williams
Page 6 COMMITTEE OF PROFESSIONAL WOMEN (COPW) Our committee has been very busy since the last edition of the Affiliate News. Our on-going regional gettogethers have continued with gatherings of our San Fernando Valley and Hollywood-Downtown members. These continue to be a hit as they allow members to get to know others better in smaller, more intimate, settings. In March we had a lovely afternoon at the historic Valley Hunt Club. Our guest speaker was Mark Swed, Music Critic for the LA Times. His talk, The Art of Hearing Music, was entertaining and very well-received. An enthusiastic Q&A followed. (l-r) Pat Chock; Event Chair, Sona Boyd; Guest Speaker, Mark Swed; Affiliate Chair, Sheri Gill (l to r) JinShan Dai, Vijay Gupta, Ben Ullery, and Robert demaine at Shutters Hotel in Santa Monica Our Installation of Officers took place at the Shutters Hotel in Santa Monica. Prior to our delicious lunch we enjoyed a superb String Quartet from the LA Phil composed of JinShan Dai, Vijay Gupta, Ben Ullery, and Robert demaine. They played Schubert s String Quartet #12,"Quartettsatz," and Beethoven s String Quartet #6 in B-flat Major, Op. 18 No.6. Our next activity will involve three days in July at the Mozaic Music Festival in San Luis Obispo. We look forward to reporting on this event in the Fall Affiliates News. Rea Crane 2014-2015 Officers (l to r) Michelle Dennis, Treasurer; Bee Campbell, Secretary; Annette Colfax, Vice President, Rea Crane, President; Becky Novy, Installing Officer; Sheri Gill, Affiliate Chair, observing
Page 7 LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP Twelve affiliates attended the recent Leadership Workshop and luncheon. Half the attendees were new committee presidents and the other half were potential future leaders. The Leadership Workshop is held annually for new presidents and others wishing more information about the Affiliates. Colleen Robertson As Arlyss Burkett mentioned in the previous Leadership Workshop, attendees receive useful information ranging from leadership qualities to mission statements, policies and procedures, and standing rules to important Affiliate programs. (l-r) Barbara Kaplan, Westside Committee; Colleen Robertson, COPW; Ann Dachs, Westside Committee President; Marge Atkins, Affiliates at Large; Glenda Burnett, Encore President Not pictured are Marian Duntley, Peninsula Committee President; Mary Ann Dobbs, Affiliates at Large; Marian Hall, Peninsula Committee; DeAnne Hayes, Speakers Bureau President; and Charlotte Harvey, Valley CommitteS President. The attendees usually complete the session with most of their questions answered and with a new support network of other Affiliate leaders to confer with in the future. The Leadership Workshop, a response to the Affiliates Strategic Plan, is an annual event. (l-r) Sheri Gill, Affiliate Chair and Becky Novy, COPW, Co-Chairs of the Leadership Workshop AMUSING MUSICAL QUOTATIONS Why waste money on psychotherapy when you can listen to the B Minor Mass? -- Michael Torke Wagner has lovely moments but awful quarters of an hour.-- Gioacchino Rossini, 1867 I have been told that Wagner's music is better than it sounds.-- Mark Twain, Autobiography (1924)
Page 8 YOLA Watching YOLA grow is amazing! More than 200 schools and nearly 800 students in LA County are involved in this intensive music study and academic support program. On May 10, 2014 at Walt Disney Concert Hall a year end community concert was performed. The YOLA at EXPO Center Symphony Orchestra had the opportunity to rehearse and then perform under the baton of Maestro Gustavo Dudamel. The students performed Danzon No. 2 by Marquez and were met with wild enthusiasm from their friends and family in the audience. Entire orchestra, wearing their colorful t-shirts Then following, they performed Mussorgsky s, Night on Bald Mountain under Bruce Kiesling, conductor of the YOLA orchestras. They were joined by the Wind Ensemble from YOLA at HOLA. A number of these advanced students traveled and played with the LA Phil on their most recent tour in the US and Canada. Some of them have been with the YOLA program since its beginnings seven years ago and will be graduating into college and taking advanced music studies there. The YOLA at EXPO Center Young Ensemble and YOLA at EXPO Center Young Orchestra also performed a variety of selections. The grouping of students depends on their skill levels and experience. Following the EXPO Center concert, a second concert was given by the YOLA at HOLA students. Through our affiliate fund raising for LA Phil Education programs we support this marvelous venture. Of course we also greatly support the students when we attend their performances. As conductor Gustavo Dudamel has observed, YOLA students have the richness of the arts in their hands and hearts. YOLA Symphony Orchestra members at EXPO Center (in white sweat shirts) performing while dancing. Glenda Burnett Smiling YOLA violinist in red T shirt, proudly showing off her new violin.
Page 9 VALLEY COMMITTEES Valley CommitteeS has had a very fruitful and delightful season. Our Spring Outing was held in two locales in Calabasas; the Sagebrush Cantina for lunch (great Margaritas!) and next door at the Leotis Adobe Museum. The museum consists of the main residence of the Leotis family which has been renovated to its appearance in the early 20th century, with outbuildings, barns, stables and corrals. There are buggies and farm implements placed according to their function and use. One corral contained a pair of imposing Percheron work horses. (l-r) Past Presidents Ellie Hamburger and Jan Agens at the Sagebrush Cantina INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE (l-r) Members Judy Munro, Glenda Burnett, Virginia Bass, Maria Williams and Eunice Horwitz in the Living Room of the Leotis Adobe, with a docent (facing members). Committee members and friends were guided by several excellent docents, dressed in period attire. To bring the season to a successful conclusion, the Spring Salon, featuring the LA Phil s charming and talented Associate Principal Trombone, James Miller, was held at the lovely home of Margaret Lulejian. The Spring Salon was followed by an (l-r) Hostess Margaret Lulejian, Pianist Yoko Mizuno, LA Phil Associate Principal Trombone, James Miller; Judy Munro, Freddie Lu McGinnis and LA Phil Affiliate Chair, Sheri Gill. Valley CommitteeS members grouped together at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas elegant reception catered by the Valley CommitteeS' skillful chefs. Barbara Camillieri The International Committee held its traditional Kickoff which launches the planning for its International Night Benefit Ball. The Kickoff was held at the residence of the Consul General of the Czech Republic and Mrs. Michal Sedlacek on April 26, 2014. It was a wellattended and successful start for the Benefit Ball. The 63 rd annual Benefit Ball, a black tie gala honoring the Los Angeles Consular Corps, will be held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on September 6, 2014. Planning is underway and the Committee is looking forward to presenting yet another exciting and productive event. The new board for the 2014-2015 year held its first meeting on May 21 and presented seven new members. Rabab Ashley At May 21, board meeting (l-r), Evelyne Ustarroz, Aida Gaona, Mike Lauran, Rabab Ashley, President; Mina Louy
Page 10 AFFILIATES AT LARGE (A@L) Classes Receive Recognition The It s All About The Music music appreciation classes, organized and staffed by the Affiliates at Large, were recognized at the recent national conference of the League of Symphony Orchestras in Seattle. The classes, taught by composer-arranger Shelly Cohen, were held on Saturday mornings in the Volunteer Cottage. In Seattle, members Nancy Howard and Rosie Chiaverini represented the Affiliates at Large. Nancy presented GLENDALE COMMITTEE Recent events this spring have kept the Glendale Committee active and engaged. During April and May, many members were busy as docents at the Pasadena Showcase House of Design. Time and again this has proven to be an enjoyable way to assist Pasadena, as well as to raise additional funds for the LA Phil. the educational project to the League s Volunteer Council with a PowerPoint presentation and pictorial display board. While at the conference, Nancy and Rosie attended workshops, participated in round table discussions, and networked with dedicated volunteers from large and small symphony orchestras. Also attending the Conference were Melanie Sanguinet, Manager, Volunteer Activities and David Clark, President of the Business and Professional Committee. In mid- April, Glendale s four middle schools received a monetary grant from the Glendale Committee in the amount of $500.00 each to enrich and support their music programs. Funds will be used to repair instruments, purchase supplies like strings, reeds, etc., and to purchase instruments needed to continue these schools excellent programs. In May, the beautiful Oakmont Country Club was the setting for our annual Spring Luncheon. The program featured the very talented Rosemont Middle School Advanced Strings, under the capable leadership of Rod Yonkers, music teacher and conductor. In Spring, many of our members volunteered to assist with Symphonies For Schools and Toyota Symphonies For Youth. In the most recent volunteer activity, A@L members and friends volunteered to staff shifts at the 50th Pasadena Showcase House of Design. Nancy Howard For further information, please contact: Nancy Howard, President, at nd_howard@yahoo.com Please also see League of American Orchestras Conference article on Page Four Rosemont Advanced Strings in action Melanie Sanguinet with Lucile Leard, President Rod Yonkers, Director, Rosemont Advanced Strings Thirty-one amazing students performed a wonderful program of varied selections, truly dazzling the audience with their musicianship. The Raffle prize of a Hollywood Bowl Box for four was won by member, Ann Chadney. New officers for the upcoming year were installed at the June meeting, held in the lovely backyard area of President Lucile Leard. Under her continuing and capable leadership, the Glendale Committee looks forward to another successful year of support for the LA Phil. Marie Chaplar
Page 11 WESTSIDE COMMITTEE The Westside Committee has had a successful 2013-14 and is already planning for the next year. We exceeded our Philharmonic Friends commitment, with no small credit to a live auction at our Spring Benefit. This generated an unexpected excitement and lively bidding. Our Benefit Chair, Bonnie Hecht, and her very capable team deserve special recognition for producing an outstanding event. Additionally our Committee has had small events throughout the year, mostly in groups of 8-10 where we have had cooking exhibits, bridge games, etc., to add to our fundraising efforts. In the fall we continued to have our Dessertimento to raise funds for music scholarships for young students to assist them in their musical pursuits. Our members have generously given of their time and efforts to the Toyota Symphonies for Youth, subscriptions to the Philharmonic and individual contributions to the Philharmonic. This year we were pleased to report that our long-time Hollywood Bowl subscription counts as one of our subscriptions. For years, the Westside Committee has had a subscription for Saturday night box in a prime location at the Bowl (plus parking). Members reimburse the Committee by selecting a night out of the summer series, giving them the opportunity to enjoy great artists in a lovely setting. In/Out Board meeting at Peg Graymer s Santa Monica home Mindful of the growing need to modernize our Committee, we are in the process of updating our meeting schedule to cut down on the number of meetings we need. Consequently, in the coming year, we are reducing Board meetings to four, rather than eight or nine. We are continuing to look for more ways make the best use of members time and efforts. Bee Campbell SPEAKERS BUREAU The Speakers Bureau members have had a very successful year, which featured a very special "end of the year" Annual Spring Meeting and Program at Marilyn Kelliher's home. Members enjoyed a delicious lunch followed by the meeting. Highlighting the day were LA Philharmonic musicians and married couple, Stacy Wetzel, first violin; and Mick Wetzel, viola. They presented a beautiful program followed by a very informative time of members questions and answers, by the Wetzels. Looking forward to the summer months, the Speakers Bureau is having an "At the Organ" event at Walt Disney Concert Hall, and a Night at the Hollywood Bowl, including dinner at the Cottage followed by a concert. This past year has been a very busy one, complete with tours, talks, classroom visits, among our activities. Speakers Bureau members interacted personally with approximately 7,000 students and adults within greater Los Angeles. DeAnne Hayes (l-r) Stacy Wetzel, DeAnne Hayes, Marilyn Kelliher, Mick Wetzel, Affiliate Chair Sheri Gill, and Melanie Sanguinet enjoyed an afternoon together with Speakers Bureau members.
Page 12 PENINSULA COMMITTEE Peninsula Committee Promotes Music Discovery and Grand Salon & Auction Over 100 fortunate people experienced a special afternoon in May at AMUSE Music Center listening to pianist Alan Chapman and singer Karen Benjamin explore the inner workings of theatre songs in a new, and often surprising, manner. The Music Discovery program informed members and friends about the extent of the Great American Songbook as this husband-wife team regaled us with old and familiar favorites. In June, the highlight of the social scene on the Peninsula was the Grand Salon, featuring LA Phil musician, Andrew Bain on the French Horn, accompanied by Dr. Vivian Fan on the piano. Student musicians in string and saxophone quartets entertained guests before the main program as they sampled gourmet tastings. Held in the elegant seaside home of member Carolyn Elliott and her husband, Julian, the Alan Chapman at the piano and Karen Benjamin entertaining Grand Salon is one of two primary fundraisers for the year. A well-stocked silent auction, complete with popular parties and outings, raised funds for youth programs. www.pclaphil.org. Marian Duntley At the Grand Salon (l-r) Joan Connaghan, co-chair, Carolyn Elliott, hostess, and Denise Clement, co-chair Music Discovery Committee with Alan Chapman and Karen Benjamin (l-r) Ann Ehrenclou, Ann Lampe, Shirley Farley, Sandra Clay, Alan Chapman, Alicia Maniatakis, Lorraine McWhinnie, Karen Benjamin, Jean Strickland LONG BEACH AUXILIARY The Long Beach Auxiliary will be holding its annual Summer Interlude this year on Sunday, July 27, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This always popular program not only features a musical performance, but a book reviewer sharing suggestions for new reading experiences. An hors d oeuvre and wine reception follows. Member Barbara Hillman again is hosting the event this year, with reservations limited at $32 per person. For reservations please contact Jeanne Badgley at (562) 434-3949. For further information- please contact LaVonne Clay (562) 596-1429. Linda Parsons
Page 13 ENCORE On Tuesday, April 15, many Encore members visited the Beverly Hills Post Office! Actually, this was not just a routine visit but a specially-arranged private tour of the historic old Post Office, first opened in 1934 after much difficulty in gathering the funds for completion during the Depression era. Now the edifice is fully restored and includes the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (The Wallis). Our tour, led by Ricka Fisher, Director of Development, couldn t have been more complete or enjoyable. We even ventured beneath the original foundation supports for the building and saw the supporting columns that are now by the dressing room and backstage area. The tour was followed by a delicious three-course luncheon at Monsieur Marcel s Restaurant that was a combination of quality and quantity. On May 19, our Annual Spring Meeting took place at the Lakeside Golf Club in Burbank and was a huge success. After conducting the business at hand, including presentation of gorgeous roses to past officers, Program Chairman Ann Ehrenclou introduced Jeralyn Glass, Soprano; and Paul Floyd, Pianist; who presented a great program of vocal gems ranging from Mozart to Broadway favorites. We were all filled with delight! On June 23, we had our In/Out Board Meeting with Judi Butler passing the gavel to Glenda Burnett. We all enjoyed the beautiful setting and hospitality of hostess Marie Stiebing. Gary Hollander Encore members gather in the foyer of the historic Beverly Hills Post Office. Ricka Fisher, the Director of Development is at the right. Inside the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (The Wallis) Board members, do you accept this rose? June 23 In/Out Board Meeting, hosted by Marie Stiebing Past Affiliate Committee Presidents are invited to join Encore and expand contact with the LA Philharmonic and Affiliates.
Page 14 BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL (B&P) COMMITTEE The Business and Professional Committee ended the 2013-2014 Concert Season with a whirlwind of activities, culminating with its elegant Gala Fundraiser in the Walt Disney Concert Hall Founders Room on May 17, 2014. The Gala featured the artistry of LA Philharmonic Associate Principal Trumpet James Wilt, collaborating with pianist Junko Garrett, wife of LA Phil Cellist David Garrett. In her solo piece, Junko enthralled the audience with Franz Liszt s piano arrangement of Isolde s Liebestod from Wagner s Tristan and Isolde, and Jim concluded the entire program with an astounding performance of variations from Joseph Jean-Baptiste Laurent Arban s Carnival of Venice. In-between, the Gala also featured a Silent Auction and Raffle, with all net proceeds to be donated to the LA Phil s Music Library. The entire program was nothing less than amazing in its brilliance of technique and variety of repertoire. We were also treated to a mini-concert consisting of a few short selections from their repertoire. In April we were pleased to welcome Elizabeth Baker, LA Philharmonic First Violin, as our speaker. Elizabeth told us about the evolution of the orchestra over her 27- year career and how pleased she is to be a part of one of the most innovative major symphony orchestras performing today. She also spoke passionately about her involvement with the Philharmonic s Youth Orchestra Mentorship Program and Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA). B&P President Dave Clark, LA Phil first violin Elizabeth Baker, Program Chair Gary Hollander, Affiliate Chair Sheri Gill at April 17 meeting Our final Lunch Meeting of the year was on May 8, 2014, and featured Los Angeles Philharmonic Piccolo player Sarah Jackson. The vivacious Ms. Jackson entertained our members with stories of her audition experiences and answered questions about the Philharmonic s audition process in general. (l-r) Pianist Junko Garrett and LA Phil Associate Principal Trumpet James Wilt at the May 17 Gala Fundraiser. In March, our Luncheon speakers were Stacy and Minor Wetzel, First Violin and Viola, respectively, for the LA Phil. The Wetzels charmed the audience with stories of their history with the LA Phil and how they balance their family life (three children!) with their professional duties. LA Phil piccolo player Sarah Jackson giving the B&P Committee a close-up look at her concert quality granadilla wood piccolo. (l-r) Ken Korman, Sheri Gill, Affiliate Chair; Stephanie Klopfleisch, Becky Novy, Randy Klopfleisch at the March B&P meeting, which featured the LA Phil s first violinist Stacy and violist Minor Wetzel. Sarah also explained the musical range of the piccolo versus the flute and why the preferred fabrication material is the Grenadilla tree (also known as African Blackwood) which is found only in certain parts of Africa. Our B&P meetings are as much learning experiences as they are musical experiences! Dave Clark
Los Angeles Philharmonic Committee 80th Anniversary Year 2014-15 The Los Angeles Philharmonic Committee celebrates its 80th Anniversary as an LA Phil ongoing support group during the upcoming season, which is a year of celebration and acknowledgment of our founding members who had the vision to invest in the birth of the LA Phil. Our committee, the Los Angeles Junior Philharmonic Committee, evolved from a group of 20 music lovers who in 1934 invited musicologist Josephine Heintz Geritz to present Symphony Previews to them before each Friday afternoon concert. As the orchestra s needs changed and financial support became more imperative, the committee turned its focus to fundraising. In 2001, the name Los Angeles Philharmonic Committee was adopted and our committee chose to make Symphonies for Schools a prime music education initiative. Our newly elected board of directors is already planning for the year ahead under the much anticipated leadership of President Lorraine Stark. Several members planned musical evenings and dinners that were auctioned off at our May Benefit, Opening Doors to Music. Our Benefit co-chairs, Phyllis Conkle and Linda Nazaretian, set the stage for an event that ensured summer musical encounters for our committee. This July, Ranjit Bhatia and Srila Singh will host an Indian dinner that is the envy of the auction bidders and has proven to be one of most popular items year after year. In August, other fortunate winners will be entertained by LA Phil violinist Mischa Lefkowitz at our Tea and Symphony event in a private home, with the contributions of June Furman, Ruth Eisen, Linda Nazaretian and Karen Growdon. Our final general meeting this year was held at the home of Sylvie Ollivier, who is not only an accomplished classical pianist but also a talented music educator who excels at discovering prominent musicians who perform at each of our general meetings. Pianist Grace Xia Zhao and tenor Jonathan Mack entertained us with an excellent program of singing and music featuring Germanic folksongs, popular Page 15 music and classical pieces. In June, the Incoming and Outgoing Board Meeting was held at Brentwood Country Club. Our board members were enthusiastically acknowledged for their contributions on the road to another successful year of support of the LA Phil and music education. Christine Thorpe Chris Thorpe, outgoing President HAPPY 80th ANNIVERSARY LA PHILHARMONIC COMMITTEE Pianist Grace Xia Zhao and tenor Jonathan Mack President Lorraine Stark
Page 16 Foothill Committee Foothill Committee s February meeting featured LA Phil librarian Kazue Asawa McGregor at the home of Jim and Peggy Rees. Members and their guests enjoyed a behind the scenes look at the surprising challenges sheets of music pose. Copyrights? Travel? Bowing? Timing page turns? Who knew? After Kazue s thorough presentation, the Foothill Committee knew, that s who! Sunset at the Padua Hills Theatre (l-r), David Hughes, Fundraiser Chair Peggy Rees, Jamey Tate, Sue Keavney, David and Kei Benoit (l-r) Kazue McGregor, Jan Corey, Susan Reardon, and Sue Keavney at the home of Peggy Rees A Benoit Encore, Foothill Committee s April fundraiser at the historic Padua Hills Theatre was perfect! The setting, the performers, the weather, all fell seamlessly into place. A very sold out crowd luxuriated in the sounds of the superbly accomplished David Benoit who was accompanied by Jamey Tate on drums and David Hughes on bass. In June pianist and trumpeter Steve Likens entertained members with music, information, and anecdotes at the elegant home of Jerry and Barbara Friedman. The meeting was further enhanced by the attendance of Sheri and Lynn Gill. Foothill Committee docents at Pasadena Showcase House of Design included (l-r) (first row); Jill Fulton, Cindy Walkenbach, Tina Houy, Nancy Farrow, Cheryl Kugler, Claire McQuillan, Shirley Rude, (second row); Teri Marlow, Sally McDonald, Ellen Middleton, Nora Butler, Sharon Bentley, Beth Smith, (third row); Helen Martin, Lisa Graham, Lillian Baumgardner, Sue Keavney, and Marilyn Dale. And so Foothill Committee winds down for the summer months, a short bit of quiet time before gearing up for the 2014-2015 season. Teri Marlow (l-r) Sheri Gill, pianist and trumpeter Steve Likens, and Janice Hoffman at the home of Barbara Friedman Think About It, Quotations by the Three B s 1. Johann Sebastian Bach - "There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself." 2. Ludwig van Beethoven - "To play without passion is inexcusable!" 3. Johannes Brahms - "Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind."