LA Philharmonic’s “Healing Through Music” Japan Benefit Concert
24 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, CA 91105 | 626.799.1153 | www.westridge.org
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2011 | Contact: Monica Meñez Director of Communications (626) 799-1153, ext. 262 c: (310) 562-1957 [email protected] |
LA PHIL musicians partner with westridge school in staging
“healing through music” Japan benefit concert, Tuesday, May 3
Pasadena, CA – Four musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and an internationally renowned pianist are staging a benefit chamber music concert to raise funds for the people of Japan devastated by the March 11 earthquake, tsunami, and aftermath. “Healing Through Music: Japan Benefit Concert featuring LA Phil Musicians” will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 3 at Westridge School’s Fran Norris Scoble Performing Arts Center, 324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena.
Community members are invited to attend; rsvps are required at [email protected]. Admission to the concert is free and seating is general admission; donations are requested and will be collected at the close of the program. Gifts of cash, check, and credit card will be accepted, or to make a donation online, visit https://www.usjapancouncil.org/fund.
Funds raised at the concert will go to the U.S.-Japan Council Earthquake Relief Fund. Established to support immediate relief, long-term rebuilding, and economic recovery in Japan, one hundred percent of donations are designated solely for use in projects in Japan and will go directly to Japanese NGOs.
The concert, arranged by LA Phil violist Richard Elegino in partnership with Westridge School, will feature Barber’s Adagio for Strings,Dvorak’s “American” String Quartet, and Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E flat major.
Alongside Elegino, pianist Gavin Martin and LA Phil musicians Jin-Shan Dai (violin), Minyoung Chang (violin), and Ben Hong (cello), are donating their time and talent to raise money for this cause.
Elegino, who was born in Japan, organized the concert with support from his fellow musicians and Westridge School. Elegino said, “I was watching the news every day and all I would see is the devastation of the tsunami, the death toll and the missing total. I was in tears every day until I decided, enough tears, I’ve got to do something.”
“Our hearts go out to the people of Japan and to those around the world effected by the devastating events,” said Westridge Head of School Elizabeth J. McGregor. “In an effort to translate empathy into action, we are excited and proud to host this benefit concert at Westridge. This is an exceptional opportunity to partner with world-class musicians and raise funds for a worthy cause. It further reflects the school’s philosophy in teaching our students about philanthropy and global citizenship.”
In late March, Westridge’s Glee Club held a series of concerts to benefit Japan relief as well, in lieu of an international tour in Japan that was canceled due to the disaster. The students raised over $3,500 for various organizations, including the U.S.-Japan Council Earthquake Relief Fund.
For more information about the event, visit the News/Events section of www.westridge.org.
Founded in 1913, Westridge School is an independent day school for college bound girls grades 4-12. Westridge strives to develop young women whose joy in learning, personal ideals, commitment to ethical action, social and environmental responsibility, courage and compassion will lead them to meaningful lives as contributing citizens of the larger world. For more information about the school, visit www.westridge.org.