The International Committee was founded in 1951 with the purpose of supporting the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and to reach out to the international community represented by the Consular Corps stationed in Los Angeles.
It succeeded beyond expectation. We have and continue to raise funds by holding an annual International Benefit Night honoring the Chef de Post but featuring each year a different country and giving the opportunity to our guests to be immersed on that special night to the music, programs, and beauty of the chosen country. Last year, we celebrated the Philippines. Part of the "Sights and Sounds of the Philippines" was the Los Angeles debut performance of the Opera for Modern Times "Karim at Jasmin." Forty thousand was raised at this event. All of the proceeds from the Committee’s International Ball go to support the Los Angeles Philharmonic and its educational programs. This year, the Ball Committee has chosen Mexico, and the collaboration between Consul General and Mrs. Juan Marcos Gutierrez Gonzales with our President Cynthia Catalino, Ball Chair Aida Gaona, and Benefit Chair Rabab Ashley has already begun.
True to its name the International Committee membership is a mixture of American and foreign born women along with the prestigious presence of the wives of the Los Angeles Consular Corps whose husbands represent countries from all over the world.
Members meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from October to May, usually at the homes of Consular Corps members who generously open their houses to us for a combination of lunch, and musical programs preceded by short business meetings.
The International Night Ball is a mixture of pageantry, dancing, and fantastic programs which reflect the culture and spirit of the honored country; an elegant evening that is held annually at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
Our members have formed bonds of friendship and keep connected by volunteering together and through a monthly newsletter which features an Honoree of the Month based on membership in chronological order.
Members purchase season tickets or are helped to make their own selection with the assistance of the Season Ticket Chair.
Over the years, the International Committee while having a lot of fun has raised well over two million dollars.
Membership chairs are: Francoise Balabanian (818-772-6413; rossignoux@aol.com) and Kay Sidhu (818-882-8902; ksidhu@socal.rr.com).
Why belong to the International Committee of the Los Angeles Philharmonic? Because of the opportunity to meet sophisticated women who share a passion for classical music and who enjoy interacting with women from different countries.
