The mission of the Committee of Professional Women is to encourage women in business and the professions to support the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra by attendance at concerts, to arrange cultural opportunities and events sponsored by the committee, and to further appreciation and understanding of symphonic music and the cultural arts in the Los Angeles community.
COPW was founded in 1965 by Mrs. Norman Chandler, Mrs. Lloyd Nix and Mrs. Draver Wilson at the suggestion of Ms. Marion Burke, Mrs. Chandler’s Executive Assistant. The original Committee was comprised of twenty-two outstanding Los Angeles women. Today COPW continues to attract career women (and men), both working and retired, who love classical music and the arts. The roster includes nearly 100 active members.
COPW hosts four events each year, held at private homes and venues throughout the Los Angeles area. Cost for attending these musical and cultural events is kept at a reasonable price and include a meal or tea, as well as live performances and lectures. Some recent events include a performance of Ms. Varty Manouelian, violist with the LA Phil, a celebration of young musicians, including student composers from the USC Thornton School of Music, and a concert featuring the Apple Hill Chamber Players at the Colburn School with a post-concert reception with the artists at the trendy Redcat Lounge. In addition, COPW arranges a long summer week- end of music for members and their friends. In recent years this has been at the San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival.
The Committee supports the Los Angeles Philharmonic by volunteering at LA Philharmonic educational events including the Toyota Symphonies for Youth and Symphonies in the Schools. Working with children in the crafts venue is a COPW favorite. COPW members also are prominent in volunteering at the Pasadena Showcase House of Design each year which both supports musical programs and earns COPW funds for its philanthropic projects.
COPW was instrumental in the history of the Upbeat Live talks that are held prior to LA Phil concerts. In the early 70’s, COPW members attended concerts together, and to educate the members in symphonic music, President Anita Priest arranged for experts to give talks before each concert they attended. These talks became so popular, that they evolved into the Upbeat Live lectures that all LA Phil patrons today enjoy at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
For more information on the Committee of Professional Women, visit the web site at www.copw.org.