La crème de la crème of the music business turned out in force on April 6 at the Skirball Center for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s tribute to two veterans of the music industry, Michael Gorfaine and Sam Schwartz.
Hailed by Variety as the “Tiffany” of film and TV composer agencies, the duo was honored with LACO’s “Ally Award.”
“LACO is thrilled to recognize Michael and Sam for their tremendous contributions to the music industry,” said LACO Executive Director Ben Cadwallader.
The event, a testament to the unwavering support for the Chamber Orchestra, was a resounding success. The Orchestra took the opportunity to honor long-time advocates and philanthropists Shaheen and Anil Nanji, who were presented with the LACO Heartstrings Award. The sold-out event, attended by 360 guests, raised an astounding $1 million, a testament to the collective commitment to LACO’s artistic and educational initiatives.
The Orchestra’s Board Chair Anne-Marie Spataru expressed her delight in honoring Shaheen and Anil Nanji, whose profound support has left an indelible mark on LACO.
Their philanthropic endeavors, coupled with their efforts to introduce the Orchestra to new audiences, have been instrumental in LACO’s growth. Shaheen’s decade-long tenure on the Board of Directors, including her four-year co-chairmanship of the organization’s Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, is a testament to their commitment and dedication.
In acknowledging his award, Nanji said, “Every great city has a beating heart made up of its cultural institutions, and here in LA, we are fortunate to have so many incredible organizations and patrons that make our city’s cultural landscape so rich.
Among these treasures, LACO occupies an extraordinary place for us as it is boldly adventurous in its programming. It takes music directly to communities across our city, of the talented virtuosos who make up the orchestra, and because it is up-close and personal in a way that other world-class institutions find it hard to be. And beyond all that, there are the wonderful people we’ve met over the years through LACO!”
Founded in 1968 as an outlet for the film and television recording industry’s musicians, many of LACO’s artists have worked on countless recordings with composers represented by the Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency.
In his remarks, Gorfaine said, “John Williams shared something with me that I believe should be a guiding principle: be in service to music.’ It’s our responsibility to support the wonderful musicians who play, the talented composers who write, and the dedicated teachers who teach.”
Highlighting the evening was a performance led by LACO Music Director Jaime Martín, featuring works by Vivaldi, Mozart, and Bartok.
Brigitta B. Troy, Alden Lawrence, Peggy Falcon, and Anne Grausam were gala chairs. Their committee included Mark Armstrong, Clare Baren, Anna Butturini, Jennifer Diener, Adrienne Forst, Diane Henderson, Barbara Herman, Molly Kirk, Joan Marcy, Jim Mulally, Iman Nanji, Dan Ohgi, Amy Rabwin, Joyce Sommer, Kylee Teti, Mist Thorkelsdottir and Randy Spendlove.
Among the local folks seen were Margaret Batjer, Tereza Stanislav, Robert Brophy, Joel Pargman, Terri and Jerry Kohl, June and Simon Li, Dana and Dana Newman, Mary Johnson and Jordan, and Kylee Teti.
COMING UP:
MAY 7: The Tuesday Musicale of Pasadena presents a free concert featuring works by Brahms, Schubert, Mozart, Bellini and Faure. The Altadena Baptist Church, Altadena. 12:30 p.m.
MAY 11: The Pasadena Chorale presents The Golden Shore: Rachmaninoff and the Music of Displacement. The First United Methodists Church, Pasadena. 7:30 p.m. Pasadenachorale.org.
MAY 12: Crown City Symphony presents a free concert featuring works by Bach, Mozart and Haydn. First Baptist Church, Pasadena. 2 p.m.
MAY 19: Cancer Community San Gabriel Valley presents “Dapper Derby Soiree,” the 34th Angel Gala, honoring Karen and Tom Capehart, Oak Tree Racing Association and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Santa Anita Park, Arcadia. 626-796-1083 or cancersupportsgv.org.
May 28: The Pasadena Playhouse presents “Jelly’s Last Jam.” Performances continue through June 23. Pasadenaplayhouse.org or (310) 876-2513.
MAY 31-JUNE 2: Blue13Dance Company presents “Soliloquy,” a site-specific immersive dance experience. Heritage Square Museum, 3800 Homer St., Los Angeles. 90031. Blue13Dance.com
JUNE 5: Center Theatre Group presents the musical, “A Strange Loop.” Performances continue through June 30. The Ahmanson Theatre. centertheatregroup.org.
JULY 27: Barbie The Movie: In Concert featuring an all-women orchestra. Hollywood Bowl. 8 p.m.
JULY 30: Center Theatre Group presents the new comedy “Clue.” Performances continue through Aug. 25. The Ahmanson Theatre. centertheatregroup.org.
Patt Diroll writes a bi-weekly society column for the Pasadena Star-News. She can be reached at pattdiroll@gmail.com. Diana Palmer contributed to this column. Diana Palmer contributed to the piece this week.