Published by Los Angeles Philharmonic Affiliates AFFILIATES NEWS Aida Gaona, Chair Gary Hollander, Editor 151 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles 90012 Melanie Sanguinet Manager, Volunteer Activities Telephone 213.972.0753 Email Address msanguinet@laphil.org Affiliates Online at: www.laphil.com/give/committees.cfm The Web site includes: Inside this issue: Message from Affiliate Chair 1 Deborah Borda gets award 1 The Mahler Project 2 Upcoming LA Phil Projects 2 YOLA@HOLA News 3 Fundraising Workshop 4 Scott Showalter appointed Vice-Pres. of Development Speakers Bureau working with Music Mobile AMSOV 5 Affiliates Presidents/ Coordinators Meeting Affiliates Invitational Rehearsal 2011 Affiliate Endowment Rehearsal Master Calendar Committee Pages Affiliates NEWS Music Mobile Symphonies for Schools 7 Membership Workshop 7 Encore 8 Committee Reports 8-14 Philharmonic Friends 14 Crescendo ~ Meet with Rich Capparela! 4 5 5 6 7 14 Deborah Borda was honored by Jacaranda, music at the edge, with The Forte Award at a party Saturday, January 21 st in recognition of her championship of new music. Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky presented the award, citing Deborah s outstanding leadership and the high number of 20th and 21st century works in the next LA Phil season. Also honored was the distinguished violinist Movses Pogossian (husband of our own violinist Varty Manouelian). Jacaranda is noted for its cutting edge performances of centuries-old music programmed with unforgettable new music, played by brilliant musicians. Photo by Nicole Greenberg MESSAGE FROM AFFILIATE CHAIR With great admiration and heartfelt gratitude I applaud the Affiliate Team for all its accomplishments in the last few months. Your expertise, dedication and passion in planning very successful Affiliate events and coping with the most challenging times with grace, inspires and amazes me. Continuing our commitment to the implementation of the Affiliate six-year Strategic Plan is an ongoing process. Thanks to Mary Deissler, Director, Campaign and Special Initiatives and her staff, along with Sheri Gill coordinating the event, for spearheading a fabulous Fundraising Workshop that surpassed our expectations. It was a true Affiliate/LAPA partnership. The Affiliates started off the 2012 year with a much needed and anticipated Membership Workshop. We were fortunate to experience the expertise of three panelists who addressed new ways to attract and retain new members and at the same time learned the demographics of today s volunteers. Thanks to Marilyn Kezirian and Kathie Dagermangy for organizing this unique and informative workshop. Let s continue the momentum and enthusiasm for the balance of the year by devoting our energies on the ongoing projects that are designed to further our mission of supporting our world class orchestra and its education programs. With utmost gratitude, Aida Gaona Aida Gaona
Page 2 The Mahler Project A Symphonic Cycle for the New World, Jan13-Feb 18, 2012 UPCOMING LA PHIL PROJECTS The LA Phil continues its extraordinary, landmark season with highlights including: The Mahler Project: January and February 2012 features The Mahler Project, a milestone celebration commemorating the centennial of Gustav Mahler s death and a multinational partnership between the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The project presents Gustavo Dudamel with the monumental task of conducting all nine of Mahler s symphonies in both Los Angeles and Caracas, Venezuela. Take A Stand: A partnership between the LA Phil, the Longy School of Music, and Bard College, this is an innovative initiative that supports social change through music. Inspired by El Sistema, Take A Stand supports national conferences and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Music degree program. The inaugural Take A Stand symposium, January 30-February 1, focuses on driving the El Sistema movement forward. Three hundred attendees from 10 countries and 22 states have registered to attend. Mozart/Da Ponte Trilogy: Music Director Gustavo Dudamel has chosen icons from the worlds of architecture and fashion to stage one Mozart/Da Ponte opera each year over the next three years. The first of the series, Don Giovanni, will debut this May and will feature set designs by Frank Gehry and costumes by the Rodarte designers. Much as Mozart and Da Ponte defined their own historical time and continue to influence our own, the LA Phil has turned to the artists of our time, who have shaped our contemporary landscape, to realize a Mozart-Da Ponte Trilogy for the 21st century. Join in all of these exciting events!
YOLA@HOLA NEWS Page 3 A contingent of LA Phil Affiliates had the pleasure of visiting the site of YOLA@HOLA on December 5th. Present were Affiliate Chair Aida Gaona, Barbara Camilleri, President Margie Baker, Judy Munro, Charlotte Harvey and Glenda Burnett. They gathered in the general office building to view the administration of the HOLA activities. Then they proceeded to the adjoining school and were met by Dan Berkowitz, YOLA Manager, who escorted them on a most interesting tour of YOLA@HOLA in action. He explained YOLA s goals, the process of choosing children and YOLA s leading role in promoting youth orchestras in the US, based on Venezuela s El Sistema. For over two hours they visited classrooms where they observed 30+ wind instrument students practicing Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony for an upcoming performance. They saw the 1st and 2nd grade violinist and violists initially practicing their fingering in the air. Playing on the actual strings would come later. Other students were in choral rehearsal for a Christmas program and the rest were doing their homework. All in all it was a huge hive of activity. In anticipation of finding volunteers to assist the staff on a regular basis, Glenda Burnett, YOLA Liaison for the Affiliates, encourages everyone to take the opportunity to not only see a program of the YOLA orchestra, but to observe the process of reaching the goal by visiting the HOLA site. Contact Melanie Sanguinet for further information, msanguinet@laphil.org. Glenda Burnett Free Neighborhood Concert LA Phil s El Sistema-inspired YOLA join forces with members of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela on Monday, January 30, 2012, at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Joshua Dos Santos, Dudamel Fellow (above) conducted the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. Other pieces were performed by the YOLA Honors Orchestra, joined by members of the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, conducted by Bruce Kiesling (YOLA Conductor). December 5th, 2011, visit to YOLA (l-r) Margie Baker, Judy Munro, Barbara Camilleri, Valley CommitteeS President; Charlotte Harvey, Aida Gaona, Affiliate Chair, Glenda Burnett, YOLA Liaison
LA PHIL AFFILIATES ~ FUNDRAISING WORKSHOP, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 Page 4 The Los Angeles Philharmonic Affiliates recently presented a groundbreaking Fundraising Workshop from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Choral Hall, WDCH. "Learn the Secrets of Successful Fundraising" was planned by Mary Deissler, Interim Vice President of Development for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, in cooperation with Affiliate Chair Aida Gaona, and Fundraising Coordinator, Sheri Gill. Mary Deissler began the event with a PowerPoint presentation on the basics of successful fundraising and how to achieve your numerical goal. (above) Most Development staff members were assigned as committee mentors: Aida Gaona and Sheri Gill in front center, Mary Deissler, back row 3rd from left, Melanie Sanguinet, back row immediate left, Sharlene Eusebio front row immediate right (l-r) Ursula Krummel, Women's Committee, Malorie Barbee, LA Phil mentor, Women's & Long Beach Auxiliary Committees; Sunny Meylor, Long Beach Auxiliary Committee; Carole McCormac, Long Beach Nine colleagues from LA Phil's Development Department were then assigned to be a mentor to one of the 16 LA Phil Affiliate Committees. Breakout Sessions with the individual mentors ensued, with discussion on how the LA Phil could help committees reach their individual fundraising goals. A salad and dessert buffet followed, concluding with presentations from the breakout sessions, reporting on what specific ideas committees could use. All agreed that the workshop was a unique, worthwhile, and motivational experience. Sheri Gill Scott Showalter appointed new Vice-President of Development (l-r) Aida Gaona, Mary Deissler, Sheri Gill Members enjoying lunch Deborah Borda, President, Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, recently announced, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Scott Showalter as our new Vice President for Development. Prior to joining the LA Phil, he was the Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations and Development at the University of Chicago and the Associate Dean for External Relations and Chief Development Officer for Stanford Law School. With almost 20 years experience in major institutional fundraising, I am delighted to note that he has raised stellar amounts of money in his career including a 250 million dollar capital campaign at Stanford Law School. Scott Showalter Scott is a graduate of Stanford, received his M.B.A from the UCLA Anderson School of business and loves California. In addition he is an accomplished pianist and a triathlete so we know he ll have the stamina for what we need him to do! Those who interviewed him were impressed by his intelligence, energy, keen strategic abilities and his track record. Please join me in welcoming him to the LA Phil family. He began on January 23rd.
Page 5 SPEAKERS BUREAU WORKING WITH MUSIC MOBILE The Speakers Bureau continues its mission of talks about WDCH and the Hollywood Bowl to various visiting groups. November found many members giving tours of the Hollywood Bowl in conjunction with Music Mobile and a WDCH backstage tour for the New Members Symposium. Margo Penney ASSOCIATION OF MAJOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA VOLUNTEERS (AMSOV) The LA Phil Affiliates are members of the Association of Major Symphony Orchestra Volunteers (AMSOV) and hosted them in Los Angeles for their board meeting the first weekend in February. Board members enjoyed a backstage tour of Walt Disney Concert Hall, led by Speakers Bureau member Gary Campbell, on February 3rd. (left to right) Charles Cagle, Nashville Symphony Orchestra; Deborah Brown, Dallas Symphony Orchestra; Arlyss Burkett, Los Angeles Philharmonic; Helen Shaffer, Houston Symphony; Marjorie Saulson, Detroit Symphony Orchestra; Mary de Tray, National Symphony Orchestra (Washington, D.C.); Sally Bullard, The Philadelphia Orchestra; Mike Minor, Kansas City Symphony; and Iris Harvie, The Cleveland Orchestra. The next AMSOV Conference will be held in Kansas City, May 15-18, 2013. Arlyss Burkett
Page 6 AFFILIATES INVITATIONAL REHEARSAL 2011 At our annual Invitational Rehearsal on October 28th in Walt Disney Concert Hall we had a fabulous attendance of 275 Affiliates! We elatedly changed the date to accommodate Maestro Dudamel s performance schedule! He conducted Richard Goode playing Mozart s Piano Concerto No. 20 and Strauss s Also Sprach Zarathustra. Gustavo acknowledged the audience and expressed accolades for the work and enthusiasm of the Affiliates, a wonderfully appreciated recognition. David Bohnett, Chairman of the Board for the Philharmonic, welcomed everyone with anecdotes about the orchestra. Our own Mitch Newman, first violinist for the Phil, spoke of his career with the Philharmonic and, as a special treat, performed. As Affiliates, we especially enjoy the opportunity to meet the musicians who accepted the invitation to join us after their rehearsal and hope to encourage even greater future participation. We thank Rob Carson and Patina for the lovely luncheon and accommodations, Melanie Sanguinet and Sharleen Eusebio for all their assistance with every Affiliate activity, and our fearless leader, Aida Gaona. We extend special thanks for the trips to the Flower Mart to secure the beautiful orchid centerpieces and the successful silent auction addition to our luncheon. Hope you didn t miss the opportunity. Janet Ceske and Alicia Maniatakis, Affiliate Co-chairs (l-r) Aida Gaona, Affiliate Chair, Mitch Newman, violinist, Alicia Maniatakis, Event co-chair Janet Ceske, Event co-chair David Bohnett, Chairman of the Board for the Philharmonic Ricardo Gaona and wife Aida (Affiliate Chair) with two representatives from Turkish Airlines. Affiliates in Walt Disney Concert Hall prepare for the concert
Page 7 ENDOWMENT REHEARSAL On December 8, 2011, our Affiliates group enjoyed our Philharmonic in rehearsal. The wonderful program,"the Hollywood Sound, was part of Pacific Standard Time, a cultural collaboration initiated by the Getty. The conductor, Thomas Wilkins, joined us at intermission and spoke about music s importance to cinema. Additionally, 400 students from the downtown area filed silently into the Terrace section. It was rewarding to see the rapt attention on these young faces and their obvious SYMPHONIES FOR SCHOOLS pleasure in what they were seeing and hearing, often for the first time. The rehearsal reflected well on the great contributions of motion picture scores created in L.A. The Affiliates Endowment Rehearsal is available once each year for those contributing $100 or more to the Fund between October 1 and September 30 of the following year. Contributions are cumulative and allow the donor and a guest to attend. Thank you for your support! Vickie Pushee Affiliate Chair, Aida Gaona, with Conductor Thomas Wilkins All members of the Affiliates were mailed Symphonies for Schools invitations and sign up sheets in January. This will be an outstanding year for the thousands of students who will attend the WDCH concerts. Both new and experienced Affiliate volunteers are needed during March 6, 7, 8, 9 at WDCH to help insure that our elementary and secondary students have a wonderful experience hearing Gustav MEMBERSHIP WORKSHOP ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012 The Los Angeles Philharmonic Affiliates held a Membership Workshop on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for all Affiliates and their guests. The topic, How to attract and retain new members in our committees, was unquestionably of great interest to everyone in attendance. The featured speaker, Scott Mory, Esq., CEO USC Alumni Association, University of Southern California, was followed by distinguished panelists: Michelle Kezirian, Esq., Directing Attorney, Bet Tzedek Legal Services and Past President, Junior League of Los Angeles; and Catherine Barnes, Human Resources Consultant, Two Streams, LLC. Holst's The Planets. On Tuesday, February 28, at 10:00 A.M., the Affiliate Symphonies for Schools volunteers are invited to a very special Orientation Gettogether at WDCH. We promise a worthwhile and very enjoyable time, both for new and returning Symphonies for Schools volunteers. At the end of our Get-together, there will be a backstage tour of WDCH for those interested. The Affiliates and panelists identified, discussed and found solutions to their concerns as they learned the demographics of today s volunteers. Following the panelists presentations, round table discussions brought the Membership Workshop to a successful conclusion. Marilyn Kezirian (l-r) Michelle Kezirian, Esq, Panelist Catherine Barnes, Panelist All volunteers will receive complimentary parking for Feb. 28, March 6-9, attendance at the concert on the day(s) they volunteer, a voucher for 2 seats to the Hollywood Bowl, and most of all, the knowledge that they helped make the day very special for so many students in our communities!! For more information and/or another sign up sheet, please contact DeAnne Hayes, Coordinator, at 818-762-9470, or deanne@kbhayes.com. Deanne Hayes (l-r) Aida Gaona, Affiliate Chair Marilyn Kezirian, Co-Coordinator Membership Scott M. Mory, Esq., Speaker Katherine Dagermangy, Co-Coordinator Membership
ENCORE Erika Riley's beautifully decorated San Marino home provided the perfect setting for Encore's annual Holiday Tea. A tall Christmas tree covered with elegant ornaments greeted members as they arrived in the entry hall, and Santa Clauses from Erika's collection were seen throughout. The dining table was a feast for the eyes as guests filled their plates with tea sandwiches and other savories, as well as cookies, candies, and scones with jams and cream. All the delicious items were made by the current board members some of the recipes being drawn from editions of Encore Eats, an annual compilation put together by Joy McCarthy of the superb foods prepared by board members for Encore gatherings. Past presidents poured tea, coffee, and an occasional Kahlua! The sounds of Christmas carols and other classical pieces could be heard throughout the dining and living rooms in lovely arrangements that added to the holiday spirit, provided by guitarist Kevin Philip Nash. Animated conversation filled the rooms as members enjoyed visiting and wishing one another happy holidays. Louise Peebles, Encore Santa with dog Page 8 (l-r) Joan Callanan, Encore Chairman; Erika Riley, Hostess and Encore 2001-2002 Chairman; Kevin Nash, Guitarist; Marie Stiebing, Co- Holiday Tea Chair; Juanita O'Marah, Co-Holiday Tea Chair (l-r) Rary Simmons, Encore 1979-1980 Chairman; Juanita O'Marah, Co-Holiday Tea Chair; Alicia Maniatakis, Encore member; Suzanne Sposato, Encore 2010-2011 Chairman, pouring Tea Past Affiliate Committee Presidents are invited to join Encore and expand contact with the LA Philharmonic Association and Affiliates. BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL (B&P) COMMITTEE We began 2012 with January s luncheon speaker, eminent composer David Lefkowitz, whose compositions have been played internationally. He demonstrated how a composer composes! On February 9th, renowned cellist Ralph Kirshbaum, artistic director of the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival, is our luncheon guest at Kendall s, giving us insights on his forthcoming WDCH concert and chamber performances with the LA Philharmonic. On March 8th, our guest speaker is acclaimed film composer, and conductor David Newman, who has planned a very special program for the attendees, demonstrating the art of film composition and comparison with pure classical music composition. In 2007, he was elected president of The Film Music Society. Our fundraising soiree on May 19 features an outstanding quartet of LA Phil musicians, First Violinist Camille Avellano, Second Violinist Jin-Shan Dai, Violist Dana Hansen, and Cellist Barry Gold. We invite all Affiliate Committees to attend these regular luncheon meetings at $50 per person per luncheon and our fundraising soiree at $150 per person. There is limited seating available. For invitations and further information about our upcoming events, including the fundraising soiree, contact Gary Hollander at ghollander@pacbell.net. All net proceeds from our events benefit the Philharmonic s Music Library. Gary Hollander DAVID NEWMAN is one of today s most accomplished creators of music for film, having scored over 100 films in his 25-year career. He is also an active composer for the concert hall; his works have been performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Indianapolis Symphony, the Long Beach Symphony, and at the Ravinia Festival, the Spoleto Festival USA, and Chicago s Grant Park Music Festival. Newman has spent considerable time unearthing and restoring film music classics for the concert hall, and headed the Sundance Institute s music preservation program in the late 1980s. The son of nine-time Oscar-winning composer Alfred Newman, David Newman trained in violin and piano from an early age and earned degrees in orchestral conducting and violin from the University of Southern California.
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE Page 9 The International Committee goes Italian! Mirella Ventress and Francoise Balabanian with Janine Bobin and Marie Kestone are co-chairing the International Night Benefit Ball entitled Italia Centuries of Art and Style on May 5 th 2012 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Giuseppe Perrone, Consul General of Italy, and Alberto Di Mauro, Cultural Institute Director, have pledged their collaboration and the deal was sealed at the beautiful Malibu Oceanfront Villa Francesca owned by well-known actor and director Richard Harrison and his wife Francesca. We encourage all Affiliates to save the date May 5 th 2012 for the International Ball! COMMITTEE OF PROFESSONAL WOMEN (COPW) We re Taking Care of Business! COPW EXECUTIVE BOARD AT WORK ( l-r.) Elaine Berman, Inez Lopez, Lenore Rodah, Becky Novy, Rea Crane, Colleen Robertson, Stephanie Klopfleisch COPW is going through a rebranding process to closely align its purpose and activities to those of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the LA Philharmonic Association. We are featuring support of youth music education as a primary goal. A new motto will be unveiled in March. Brochures will be redone professionally to emphasize our support of YOLA/HOLA. Our brochures will also highlight our volunteer and financial support opportunities for members and friends. Our by-laws are being updated by COPW member, former Superior Court Judge Meredith Taylor. Our members are enthusiastic about the planned changes and we believe we are positioning our committee to increase our already significant contributions to the Philharmonic. In addition to our rebranding activities, COPW continues its tradition of lovely musical events for members and friends. We will enjoy a tea at the home of Esme Douglas on January 29 followed by a concert from the New West Symphony in Santa Monica. We anticipate an afternoon of fun, friendship, and exciting music. Stephanie Klopfleisch, COPW
Page 10 PENINSULA COMMITTEE Changing Lives Through Music When twelve year old Erica Mineo stopped by the Music Mobile display at our fall fundraiser, we could hear how our program touches lives. She first tuned all seven of our violins, and then played a Bach Concerto! Better yet, she remembered one of our Music Mobile sessions when she attended in third grade. We do change lives through our youth programs, and the winter season brings renewed focus on making music with the kids. Music Mobile, and the iconic van we donated in 2005, is the centerpiece of our activity. For 2012, we have expanded our reach to five new schools, and enlisted our men to join the fun. We reinforce this early exposure with a music festival for fifth graders at Norris Theatre, and embrace a wider audience of adults and children by providing tickets for purchase to the Toyota Symphonies for Youth. We also support our local El-Hi instrumental programs, and invite rising stars to perform at our events. Our goal is to bring the joy of music discovery to young people, and start them on a lifelong journey as music lovers. Our reward is the warm glow we get from reading letters from the kids. A cherished favorite is one that critiqued a docent s earnest effort to play an instrument with at least you tried. Jane Beseda Erica Mineo at Music Mobile booth Docent Hazel Lord with thirdgrade girl playing cello. Docents at Norris Theatre - (l-r) Carol Reinhart (co-chair), Joyce Fein, Judy Shaffer, C.C. Cunha (chair), Marian Duntley, Patt Parker, Paula del Vicario, Mary Curtin Phil Friends letter writing (l-r) Judy Sannes, Malinda Pretz, Jackie Givins, Sharon Guthrie, Janet Ceske, Hazel Lord, Vangie Maynard Phil Friends letter writing (sitting l-r) Kathy Keller, Karen Gottlieb, Pat Hill, Pat Parker; (standing) Phyllis Sherwood, Chair, Phil Friends Phil Friends letter writing (l-r) Alicia Maniataks, Lois Moore, Phyllis Sherwood, Judy Shaffer
Page 11 LONG BEACH AUXILIARY Thirteen members of the Long Beach Auxiliary attended an Invitational Rehearsal of the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel on October 28 at WDCH. A luncheon, with other affiliates, followed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The holiday season was ushered in on December 7th with a luncheon and musicale at Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach. The talented duo of vocalist Jesse Palter and keyboard artist Sam Barsh performed jazz standards plus some of their own works. On March 13, Elise s Tea Room in Long Beach will be the setting for the Auxiliary s Spring Interlude with Los Angeles Philharmonic violinist, Robert Gupta. James Miller, Los Angeles Philharmonic Associate Principal Trombone, will perform in concert on April 28 at California Heights United Methodist Church in Long Beach. The proceeds from this program, which also features a silent auction and reception, will benefit the Los Angeles Philharmonic Youth Education Programs. Harriet Ottaviano PF Chair, Myrtle Watilo (r.) shows the Friends Giving Tree to her daughter, Elena (l-r) guest Nancy McBride, Sharleen Eusebio, Elaine Karber LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC COMMITTEE The Los Angeles Philharmonic Committee has been on the go while bringing the year 2011 to a successful close. On November 9, 2011 the committee met at the Hollywood Bowl Cottage for the annual Letter Writing event. A large number of members were present as they proceeded to write to friends and acquaintances in search of donations to the campaign. Afterwards a very tasty lunch was enjoyed. It was a profitable and fun day. On December 10, 2011, members gathered at the California Club for the annual Holiday Party. The venue was beautiful and a lovely dinner was served. Afterwards a program was enjoyed as the delightful Beverly Hills High School Madrigals sang some traditional and some new seasonal songs. The LAPC is now busy planning and working toward our Benefit in hopes of raising more funds for the LA Philharmonic music programs for youth. The theme this year is Casino Royale and will be held on April 14th at the elegant Biltmore Hotel's Emerald Room. The Committee invites you all to join us. Suzanne Olsen Among the many committee members busy writing solicitation letters, (l-r) Grace Chemsian, Nancy Seggase, Shelly Kline Members celebrating at the Holiday Party (l-r) Stephen Allen, Rachel Ault, Barbara Allen, Lee Ault Admiring the beautiful tree at the Holiday Party (l-r) Marilyn Kezirian, Lorraine Stark, Claudia Shahanian, Sydney Tanner, President Suzanne Olsen
Page 12 SOUTHWEST HEIGHTS COMMITTEE Well, 2012 is here and the South- West Heights Committee is raring to go! Our Membership Tea was quite successful, with an increase of 50% of eager, enthusiastic members bringing our roster to 33 members. Our President, Barbara Lake, represented us at numerous meetings and other events, and shared all the details with us. (l-r) Hansonia Harriford, De Forest Kirkwood, Barbara Lake, President One highlight of our January meeting was the presentation of a check to The Inner City Youth Orchestra of LA. De Forest Kirkwood, in the absence of musical director, Dr. Charles Dickerson, happily accepted the check. The funds will assist middle school students with private lessons. The afternoon s other highlight was the presentation, African American Music Celebration, by our own Hansonia Harriford. A number of protest songs were cited in addition to a partial reading of The Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln. Extremely interesting The Southwest Heights Committee eagerly looks forward to its March meeting, which will be followed by a Salon presentation of the works of Debussy and Miles Davis, to name a few. Vange Felton SANTA MONICA-WESTSIDE PHILHARMONIC COMMITTEE Our first meeting, with entertainment, was on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 and was held at the Bizou Grill in Santa Monica. We enjoyed harpist Allison Bjorkedal, who took us through the history of the harp and played music from Celtic through the classical to jazz. It was an enjoyable afternoon. Jin Shan Dai, LA Phil violist, and Jennie Jung were our special guests at the Rossmore home of Jane McNealy and Alice Kuhns for the first Musicale on November 30, 2011. President Lucetta Kallis met Jin Shan Dai at a dinner and asked him to entertain for SMWPC. This was a lovely event held at the home of Sueyoun Kim. Members and guests enjoyed the marvelous pianist, Carissa Kim, on November 30, 2011, at the home of Jane McNealy and Alice Kuhns. Carissa's mother, Sueyoun Kim, has been a long time SMWPC member. On February 15, 2012, three talented young artists from Colburn School will entertain at our second Musicale. They are Sena Cho and Mina Hong, violinists, and Grace Zhou, pianist. It will be held at 1:30 P.M. in Contrapuntal Hall at the home of Bonnie MacBird. The SMWPC committee is looking forward to Musicale #3 on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the home of Sylvie Ollivier. Sylvie Ollivier and Nora Wrobel, pianists, will perform on two pianos. We will have a fundraiser, Sunday, April 15, 2012, with LA Phil First Violinist Minyoung Chang. It will begin at 1:00 P.M. and is at Dion Houle s house. Welcome to our new SMWPC members, Nadine Adrian, Elena Hendler, Roseann Herman, Diane 'Dion' Houle, Soparvan 'Nook' Supnamonghan, Janice White, and Rita Stearn. Judy Cohn Above, (l-r) Jane McNealy, Carissa Kim, Alice Kuhns, Sueyoun Kim (l-r) Jennie Jung, Lucetta Kallis, Jin Shan Dai
Page 13 TEENY TIDBITS One evening George Bernard Shaw attended a performance by an Italian string quartet. "These men," his companion approvingly declared, "have been playing together for twelve years." "Surely," Shaw replied, "we have Shortly after George Gershwin's death, Oscar Levant was approached by a man who had written an elegy and wanted him to hear it. Levant reluctantly agreed... been here longer than that!" When words leave off, music begins. Heinrich Heine In music the passions enjoy themselves. Friedrich Nietzsche Music is a performance and needs the audience. Michael Tippett Music is the best means we have of digesting time. W. H. Auden When he was finished playing, the man turned to Levant for his opinion. "I think it would have been better," Levant declared, "if you had died and Gershwin had written the elegy." AFFILIATES AT LARGE Our Holiday Party at the Bowl Cottage was enhanced by a delicious international-themed dinner. Augmented with four new members, we are staffing this year s Toyota Symphonies For Youth and look forward to the Symphonies For Schools in March, and the Pasadena Showcase House of Design in spring. For more information, please contact Nancy Howard at nd_howard@yahoo.com Nancy Howard, President VALLEY COMMITTEES Luncheon meetings chaired by President Barbara Camilleri take care of business and making plans for fundraising. The January meeting was held at the attractive new Angeles National Golf Club. Jeanne Fredrickson introduced an entertaining Cole Porter program with narrative and sing along. Margie Baker announced that the fundraising Spring Salon will be held at the Northridge United Methodist Church and feature UCLA's Latin Jazz Ensemble. Sue Clauss described the live auction at the event, "Fund in Need." With the leadership of Glenda Burnett, several members are involved in the YOLA at HOLA Project. They consistently keep the CommtteeS informed and inspired. Fran Ulrich, Valley CommitteeS EUGENE ORMANDY QUOTATIONS Collected by members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He is a wonderful man and so is his wife. I conduct faster here so you can see my beat. It's difficult to remember when you haven't played it before. Who is sitting in that empty chair? I guess you thought I was conducting, but I wasn't. Don't play louder, just give it more. December Salon: Front row, (l-r) Judith Butler, Margie Baker, Aida Gaona, Margaret Lulejian, Barbara Camilleri, President; Back row, (l-r) LA Phil violinists Stacy Wetzel, Elizabeth Baker. EO: To the Woodwinds: There are no woodwinds at Number 6. Woodwinds: We're at number 15. EO: I know. that is why. We can't hear the balance yet because the soloist is still on the airplane. Please follow me because I have to follow him and he isn't here. It is not as difficult as I thought it was, but it is harder than it is.
Page 14 Foothill Committee (l-r) Carol Sontag, Jeanine Wilson, Russell Steinberg, Tammy Zipser at the November meeting Fundraising efforts continue apace. The Dueling Pianos of Joanne Pearce Martin and Gavin Martin was a resounding success. This wonderfully talented duo entertained their audience with a wide range of selections, even switching pianos midway through their performance. A lavish reception in the beautifully decorated edgy Claremont Consortium followed. And to appease the Super Bowl fans in our audience the game was on in a side room so that guests could enjoy both the gridiron action and the fabulous reception with the artists, a winning combination! (l-r) Fund Raising Chair Sue Keavney, President Jeanine Wilson, Pianists Gavin Martin and Joanne Pearce Martin, Ricardo & Aida Gaona at our Dueling Pianists Fundraiser the saw, as in what carpenters use. This was a particularly fun meeting with a lively discussion afterward. In January, Russell Steinberg gave lessons on how to go beyond the listening basics, including a heightened awareness of underlying patterns, in the enjoyment of classical music. Steinberg was an engaging delight in the packed house, hosted by Barb Damuth in her lovely home. Teresa Marlow As always, the holiday party was wonderful. It took place at the home of Dave and Ahlene Welsh where party goers were treated to a convivial evening of food and friendship. Brian Shyer performed at the piano and then accompanied the always effervescent Roger Ginsberg as he led members in singing Christmas carols. Violinist Guido Lamell, accompanied by pianist Nadia Shpachenko, performed at the November general meeting, held at the home of Peggy Rees. Guido entertained the packed house not only with excellent and compelling violin pieces but also with an impressive selection of pieces on the saw. Yes, thatʼs right, Holiday party hosts Ahlene and Dave Welsh with guests Teresa Marlow, Cindy Walkenbach, and Bill Gendron Crescendo ~ Meet with Rich Capparela! Crescendo Have you always wanted to meet and talk to Rich Capparela?? You will have your opportunity at "Brunch with Rich" on Sunday, February 26 at 11AM at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 5th floor. This charming and witty KUSC classical music announcer will have brunch with us and talk about some of his interesting experiences as a radio host. You won't want to miss this fabulous opportunity for good fun and entertainment. Be looking for your invitation and respond quickly! For information call Margie Baker 818-888-7659 or Sona Boyd 818-843-2210. Margie Baker Rich Capparela