Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen Leads the LA Phil and Pianist Evgeny Kissin as Oscar-Nominated Actor Ed Harris Brings Beethoven's Personal Letters to Life
Innovative Party Design Juxtaposes Contemporary and Traditional in Honor of Beethoven Unbound Yearlong Programming, as Guests Enjoy Elegant Dining on Grand Avenue
This gala evening benefits the Musicians Pension Fund, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association and LA Phil's Music Matters educational programs. The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Gallo of Sonoma, the preferred wine of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Vodka luge courtesy of Ketel One Vodka.
The post-concert celebration hosted by the Los Angeles Philharmonic on Thursday, September 29, was a spectacular affair for more than 550 guests under the stars on Grand Avenue. The black-tie gala evening of Beethoven - A Journey Into Genius celebrated the opening of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's third season at Walt Disney Concert Hall and kicked off its innovative yearlong Beethoven Unbound programming. Funds raised from the evening support the presentations, concerts and programs of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, including its educational and community outreach programs.
Following red-carpet entrances by Ed Harris, Jane Kaczmarek, Sela Ward and Bradley Whitford, among other distinguished attendees, guests enjoyed an intimate reception before the evening's concert performance, which included a special dramatic presentation of Beethoven - A Journey into Genius. Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic; virtuoso Russian pianist Evgeny Kissin performed the towering Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5, "Emperor" and recent Emmy nominee and four-time Oscar nominee Ed Harris performed a dramatic reading of Beethoven's personal letters against the backdrop of some of the composer's most beloved and important musical works. Harris read from the famed composer's letters to his Immortal Beloved: heart-breaking letters of love, longing and resignation. He also read from the famous Heiligenstadt Testament, and the audience experienced Beethoven's despair at his encroaching deafness, followed by his defiant refusal to be crushed by his fate. The orchestra performed Beethoven's Leonore Overture No. 2; Symphony No. 1, Fourth Movement, Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace; and Symphony No. 7, Second Movement, Allegretto.
In keeping with the LA Phil's mission to bring live music to as broad an audience as possible, support of this event enabled more than 1,000 music students and teachers from throughout Los Angeles to attend the concert as guests of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
The gala décor - inspired by the Los Angeles Philharmonic's yearlong Beethoven Unbound celebration juxtaposing Beethoven's nine symphonies with contemporary works - stylishly incorporated modern and traditional elements: alternating festive hybrid rose centerpieces set in sleek vases atop black linen-covered tables and classic rose bouquets set in gilded vases atop black and white toile patterned linens; modern glass chandeliers surrounded a gloriously ornate traditional chandelier. The Warhol Foundation, through its president and former L.A. City Councilman Joel Wachs, made special arrangements for reproductions from Andy Warhol's Beethoven portfolio to be displayed against a dramatic red backdrop in the dinner area as well as inside Walt Disney Concert Hall, the exterior of which was lit in a swirl of lights and projected the traditional Beethoven logo image against the Walt Disney Concert Hall's stainless steel panels. In a nod to the digital age, Canon Camera was on-hand to photograph guests against the Warhol Beethoven backdrop and instantly provide memorable photos.
The city lights and starry skies surrounding Grand Avenue provided a magnificent backdrop for the evening's elegant post-concert festivities. Acclaimed chef Joachim Splichal of The Patina Group created a sumptuous gourmet dinner perfectly suited to the occasion. The gala dinner began with spice-roasted lobster salad with braised endive, oranges, mache and tarragon. The main course consisted of chateau steak with braised red cabbage and Yukon potato fourchette. Dessert was an elegant chocolate cake with chocolate mousse, chocolate ganache and caramel center as well as caramel and walnut pear strudel with Salzburg blue cheese ice cream. Premium wines for the evening were specially selected by Gina Gallo, Gallo of Sonoma; Martini Ice Bars were provided by Ketel One Vodka. Following dinner guests danced to the swingin' sounds of the Henry Mancini Institute Alumni Sextet.
The gala committee for the 2005 Los Angeles Philharmonic benefit at Walt Disney Concert Hall included co-chairs Joan Hotchkis, John Hotchkis, Margaret Eberhardt and Jerrold Eberhardt, plus committee members Helen Bing, Lynn Booth, Lisa Kirk Colburn, Jennifer Diener, Lenore S. Greenberg, Carol Henry, Nancy Olson Livingston, Ginny Mancini, Elizabeth Segerstrom, Joni J. Smith and Alyce de R. Williamson.
This year's gala party was produced by Mark Flaisher; lighting by Kinetic Lighting, Inc.; flowers by Mark's Garden; party design by A Squared Group; Andy Warhol's Beethoven reproductions provided by The Andy Warhol Foundation with special acknowledgment to Foundation president and former L.A. City Councilman Joel Wachs; rentals by Classic Party Rentals.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music-Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association's involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational programs, community concerts and children's programming, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.
EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, at 7 PM
Walt Disney Concert Hall,
111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
ESA-PEKKA SALONEN, conductor
EVGENY KISSIN, piano
ED HARRIS, actor
Beethoven - A Journey Into Genius
BEETHOVEN Leonore Overture No. 2
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 1, Fourth Movement, Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 7, Second Movement, Allegretto
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 5 ("Emperor")
6 PM Pre-concert reception throughout the Hall including wine and hors d'oeuvres
7 PM Beethoven - A Journey Into Genius
8:15 PM Dinner (menu created by Joachim Splichal of The Patina Group) and dancing
This gala evening benefits the Musicians Pension Fund, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association and LA Phil's Music Matters educational programs. The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Gallo of Sonoma, the preferred wine of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Vodka luge courtesy of Ketel One Vodka.
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Contact: Adam Crane, 213.972.3422