L.A. Children's Chorus Celebrates 25th Anniversary Gala Bel Canto March 30, 2011

LOS ANGELES CHILDREN’S CHORUS HONORS
CONDUCTOR/COMPOSER ESA-PEKKA SALONEN,
PHILANTHROPIST ALICE COULOMBE AND
LACC ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ANNE TOMLINSON
AT 25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BEL CANTO

Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 6 p.m.,
at Walt Disney Concert Hall’s BP Hall in Downtown Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC), which, over the past quarter century, has performed with virtually every major music organization in the region, reflects upon its rich history and significant role in the city’s cultural fabric by feting three passionate and illustrious luminaries who have been closely tied to the choir’s success at its 25th Anniversary Gala Bel Canto on Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 6 p.m., at Walt Disney Concert Hall’s BP Hall. They are conductor/composer Esa-Pekka Salonen, Conductor Laureate of the Los Angeles Philharmonic; esteemed philanthropist Alice Coulombe; and LACC’s own Artistic Director, Anne Tomlinson. All three are celebrated for their tremendous impact on the classical music scene in Los Angeles and beyond. Proceeds from the gala, which promises to bring together a who’s who of the city’s musical elite, benefit Los Angeles Children's Chorus’ artistic, educational and scholarship programs.

“Esa-Pekka, Alice and Anne are pillars of the music community,” says gala Co-Chair Mary Blodgett (San Marino). “They have helped to make Los Angeles a musical force tour de force recognized around the world.”

Adds co-chair Jennifer Sliskovitch (Bel Air), “We are honoring Esa-Pekka, under whose baton LACC has performed numerous times, for his extraordinary musical legacy, Alice for her passionate support and deep commitment to the arts, and Anne, who is celebrating her 15th Anniversary at the helm of LACC, for helping to train and inspire the next generation of musicians.”

Noted opera tenor John Atkins serves as Master of Ceremonies for the music-filled evening, which includes, among other highlights, several musical tributes. Tomlinson will conduct members of the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus in Salonen’s Dona Nobis Pacem, the U.S. premiere of which the chorus will perform just one day before at Disney Hall at a “Tribute to Ernest (Fleischmann).” Surprise tributes to Coulombe and Tomlinson are also planned. Additionally, guests will enjoy a delectable three-course dinner and live auction.

Adding a very personal touch to the gala are the evening’s presenters. LACC Chair David Scheidemantle, who has helped lead LACC’s remarkable growth in recent years, honors Tomlinson, who has shaped the choir’s distinctive sound and artistic excellence; Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, an avid arts supporter beloved by his constituents, is bestowing Coulombe, a longtime Pasadena resident and ardent champion of LACC, with her award; and LA Philharmonic President and CEO Deborah Borda pays tribute to Salonen, with whom she worked closely during his lengthy and highly acclaimed tenure with the orchestra, including his numerous performances with LACC.

In addition to Blodgett and Sliskovich, the other gala co-chairs are Kimberly Marteau Emerson (Beverly Hills), and Lori Samuels (Pasadena). The Gala Committee members are Alma Aroustamian (Glendale), Annie Yeager Higgins (Pasadena), Jill Westbrook Roberts (San Marino), Ann Sunshine (Pasadena), and Andrea Greene Willard (San Marino).

Generously sponsoring the dinner at the “Platinum” level are Helen and Peter Bing, and Mary Blodgett and Carlton Calvin. “Palladium” sponsors include Eileen and Ken Leech, Jennifer and Joe Sliskovich and Doralyn Harris, and Wells Fargo. “Titanium” sponsors are Nancy and Greg Annick, Kimberly Marteau and John Emmerson, Sally and Robert Neely, Jill Westbrook Roberts and Rick Roberts, Lori and Ted Samuels, Cheryl and David Scheidemantle, and Anne and Dave Tomlinson. Supporting LACC as “White Gold” sponsors are Annie and Christopher Higgins, and Michael-Anne Browne and Phil Kurzner.

Los Angeles Children's Chorus is currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Described as “astonishingly polished,” “hauntingly beautiful,” and “one heck of a talented group of kids,” it is widely regarded as one of the world's foremost children's choirs. Founded in 1986 and currently led by Artistic Director Anne Tomlinson, LACC performs with such leading organizations as LA Opera, LA Phil, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, LA Master Chorale, LACO, Pasadena Symphony and POPs and Calder Quartet. The chorus' roster includes more than 350 children aged 6-18 from 60 communities across Los Angeles in six choirs and “First Experiences in Singing” classes for young singers. LACC has toured North and South America, China and Europe, and produced the world-premiere of Keepers of the Night, an opera by Peter Ash and Donald Sturrock. The chorus appeared on LA Master Chorale’s Decca recording A Good Understanding, and Plácido Domingo’s Deutsche Grammophon recording Amore Infinit" ("Infinite Love"). The subject of a trilogy of documentaries by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Freida Lee Mock, LACC is featured in the Academy Award-nominated Sing!, about a year in the life of the choir; Sing Opera!, documenting the production of Keepers of the Night; and Sing China!, chronicling its groundbreaking tour to China just prior to the Beijing Olympics. LACC has performed with John Mayer on NBC's “The Tonight Show,” and was featured on Public Radio International's nationally syndicated show “From the Top,” among other credits.

Gala tickets are $375 per person with special sponsorship packages available. For tickets and information, please call (626) 793-4231 or visit www.lachildrenschorus.org.

Official Website: http://www.lachildrenschorus.org