LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC EARNS ASCAP’S FIRST PLACE AWARD FOR PROGRAMMING OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

Friday, June 8 - Today, the Los Angeles Philharmonic received ASCAP’s first place award for programming of contemporary music as part of the 2011-2012 ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming presented at the League of American Orchestra’s 67^th Annual Conference in Dallas, TX.  The LA Phil is one of 24 orchestras to be honored with a 2011-2012 ASCAP Award.  The League and ASCAP present the awards each year to orchestras of all sizes for programs that challenge the audience, build the repertoire, and increase interest in music of our time.  Approximately $700,000 has been bestowed on orchestras since the awards were established in 1947. 

Los Angeles Philharmonic President Deborah Borda commented, “It is an honor to be recognized by ASCAP and the League of American Orchestras for our commitment to contemporary music.  During his third season as Music Director, Gustavo Dudamel has continued the LA Phil’s tradition of championing new music. The LA Phil clearly thrives on embracing the music of our time, and being recognized for this is extremely fulfilling.”

Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization (PRO) representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 430,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members.  ASCAP has representation arrangements with similar foreign organizations so that the ASCAP repertory is represented in nearly every country around the world where copyright law exists.  ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances.  ASCAP is the only American PRO owned and governed by its writer and publisher members.  www.ascap.com

The League of American Orchestras leads, supports, and champions America’s orchestras and the vitality of the music they perform. Its diverse membership of approximately 850 orchestras across North America runs the gamut from world-renowned symphonies to community groups, from summer festivals to student and youth ensembles. The only national organization dedicated solely to the orchestral experience, the League is a nexus of knowledge and innovation, advocacy, and leadership advancement for managers, musicians, volunteers, and boards.  Its conferences and events, award-winning Symphony magazine, website, and other publications inform music lovers around the world about orchestral activity and developments.  Founded in 1942 and chartered by Congress in 1962, the League links a national network of thousands of instrumentalists, conductors, managers and administrators, board members, volunteers, and business partners.  Visit americanorchestras.org to learn more.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the vibrant leadership of Music Director Gustavo Dudamel, presents an inspiring array of music from all genres – orchestral, chamber and Baroque music, organ and celebrity recitals, new music, jazz, world music and pop – at two of L.A.’s iconic venues, Walt Disney Concert Hall (www.laphil.com) and the Hollywood Bowl (www.hollywoodbowl.com). The LA Phil’s season at Walt Disney Concert Hall extends from October through May, and throughout the summer at the Hollywood Bowl. With the preeminent Los Angeles Philharmonic at the foundation of its offerings, the LA Phil aims to enrich and transform lives through music, with a robust mix of artistic, education and community programs.

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