The Philharmonic Society of Orange County

THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY PRESENTS ESA-PEKKA SALONEN IN HIS FINAL ORANGE COUNTY APPEARANCE WITH THE LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC

By Ann Conway

Amid a whirl of breathtaking music, rapturous applause and rousing Champagne toasts, Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen made his final Orange County appearance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, capping the Philharmonic Society of Orange County's premiere presentation of its new Elizabeth & Henry Segerstrom Select Series.

No sooner had Salonen raised his baton onstage at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom concert Hall to conduct Mozart's Clarinet Concerto and Anton Bruckner's Symphony No. 6—in an April 27 afternoon concert sponsored by the Swiss luxury watchmaker, Montres Breguet—than his admirers were dreaming about a return engagement.

Salonen, recently appointed Principal Conductor of London's Philharmonia Orchestra, will be ending his tenure with the L.A. Philharmonic to devote more time to composing. “We are very happy he is here and hope he will come back to see us many, many, times,” said Dean Corey, Philharmonic President and Artistic Director, as he spoke to the Orange County and Los Angeles arts leaders who had gathered to honor Salonen at a post-performance gala hosted by Breguet and Elizabeth and Henry Segerstrom. Observed a beaming Elizabeth Segerstrom: “We want Esa-Pekka to come back! He has told us how much he loves our hall—he's not done here yet!”

Speaking to a sold-out house during his pre-concert remarks onstage, Corey welcomed the audience to what he called “our penultimate presentation of the 2007-08 season, the final installment of this season's glorious Elizabeth & Henry Segerstrom Select Series.”

During intermission, guests of the Segerstroms, who included local and L.A. arts leaders such as Willa Dean and General William Lyon, L.A. Philharmonic President Deborah Borda and former Paramount Studio chief Sherry Lansing, attending with her husband, movie director William Friedkin, sipped Veuve Cliquot in sparkling flutes in the Box Tier lobby and rhapsodized about the concert. “I was here at the concert hall for the opening and it's wonderful to hear how the hall has developed; it sounds absolutely wonderful!” said Borda. Lansing, who was marking her first visit to the concert hall, pronounced it “extraordinary!” “It's truly the most magnificent hall I've ever seen in my life!” Observed William Lyon: “It's wonderful to be here to see such a tremendous sellout and the great joy a concert like this brings to the community.”

After the concert's conclusion, when thousands of cheering music lovers gave Salonen a prolonged standing ovation, Henry Segerstrom proclaimed it “the most enjoyable concert I've heard since the opening of the hall.”

About 100 post-concert gala guests swept up an ice-blue carpet into a white tent—blue and white are the colors of the esteemed watch and jewelry maker, Breguet—where a smiling Salonen held court at an elongated table festooned with white orchids to enjoy fare catered by Patina (with Patina creator Joaquim Splichal overseeing the preparation).

On the menu: a meal fit for Marie Antoinette (once a client of Breguet), including Torchon of Hudson Valley foie gras, Snake River Farm's grilled beef and the piece de resistance, chocolate hazelnut mousse cake with Frangelico crème Chantilly topped with spun sugar and edible gold leaf. When guests—who were attended by a fleet (one for every two guests) of hovering waiters—weren't dining on the gourmet feast, they were wandering about the voluminous tent, feasting their eyes on gleaming showcases filled with displays of Breguet's magnificently designed diamond watches, necklaces and earrings.

“The beauty of tonight is that it says the Segerstroms recognize our mission and have the same mission—to bring the highest quality of classical music here,” Corey said. “It also says why Breguet is here; they want to go where there's quality and we are quality-supported!”

Guests attending the dinner included: Chairman of L.A. Opera Marc and Eva Stern; President of The Swatch Group U.S. Caroline Faivet; Alan and Linda Beimfohr; Dan and Jeule Stein; Sabra Bordas; Jennifer and Anton Segerstrom; Marsha Anderson (who is chairing the Society’s Wicked Gala on May 31 at The Island Hotel) with her husband Darrel Anderson; Jennifer and John Condas; Sally Crockett; Betty and S.L. Huang; Roger Kirwan; Robin and John McMonigle; OCPAC board member David and Tara Troob and designer Barclay Butera.

SHANBROM FAMILY FETED AT RECEPTION FOLLOWING PERFORMANCE BY THE RUSSIAN NATIONAL ORCHESTRA

By Ann Conway

Raising sparkling flutes of fizzing Champagne, ecstatic fans of the Philharmonic Society toasted its generous supporters, Dr. Edward and Helen Shanbrom---and the Shanbrom Family Foundation--- following the Feb. 12 concert by the Russian National Orchestra which they underwrote at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Joining Helen Shanbrom (Edward was unable to attend) at the lively post-performance reception was her daughter, Suzy Krabbe and son, Bill Shanbrom.

"We are so grateful for the Shanbroms!" exclaimed Dean Corey, Philharmonic Society President and Artistic Director, as he stood before the buzzing throng of music lovers celebrating in an upstairs lobby. The Shanbroms have been supporters of the Philharmonic Society for more than 40 years. "They are very generous," Corey observed. "They are very much interested in bringing major visiting orchestras to Orange County and have underwritten this entire program. They also plan to underwrite another performance next year."

Helen Shanbrom pronounced the orchestra's performance of Brahms' Concert for Piano and Orchestra--featuring Grammy Award-winning pianist Stephen Hough (wearing ruby satin loafers)-- and Tchaikovsky's "Pathetique" Symphony No. 6 "the greatest performance I think they've had in this hall! We are so grateful that we were able to help sponsor it so that we can all sit here and enjoy it!"

Added her daughter, Suzy: "It was magnificent and I get to hear them again on Sunday in Seattle. My husband and I are patrons of the Seattle Symphony. We're very excited!" Observed Bill Shanbrom: "I thought it was absolutely fabulous---total passion! And that wonderful conductor (Vladimir Jurowski)---well, I can't wait to see his future!"

Founded in 1990, the orchestra is 'fairly new,' noted Corey. "And what makes them great is that they were all cherry-picked from their positions in various Russian orchestras." That is a new phenomenon, because before the fall of the Soviet Union, "musicians were unable to move from one city to another without great difficulty," Corey said.

Sweeping into the party,Maestro Vladimir Jurowski, 36, was greeted by cheers and applause. "This is one of the great halls in this country," he said. "It is new, and, as it grows, gains experiences, it will become even better, like an instrument getting older, wiser, more acquainted with different sounds."

Perhaps philanthropist, Elizabeth Segerstrom---sponsor with her husband, Henry Segerstrom, of the Philharmonic Society's thrilling Segerstrom Select Series--best summed up the crowd's response to the concert: "Fantastic! Makes one breathless, it was so beautiful!"

THE GREAT YO-YO MA PERFORMS IN ORANGE COUNTY

More than 70 Philharmonic Society patrons and guests gathered on Sunday evening, November 17th, for an elegant reception to celebrate the spectacular sold-out performance by celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathtryn Stott.

The concert, which sold out well before the concert date featured works by Cesar Franck, Franz Schubert, and Dmitri Shostakovich, as well as “Le Grand Tango” by Astor Piazzolla, written for Mstislav Rostropovich. The ecstatic audience’s enthusiastic ovations brought Ma back to the stage for two encores, George Gershwin’s First Prelude and Elgar’s “Salut d’Amour”.

After the concert, reception guests gathered on the sparkling Box Circle balcony to honor philanthropists and well-known arts patrons Arlene and George Cheng, whose Cheng Family Foundation underwrote the artist’s performance. Mrs. Cheng was accompanied to the performance by her children and grandchildren, and was surrounded by family and friends throughout the celebration.

Arriving shortly after the reception crowd gathered, Mr. Ma greeted Arlene Cheng with an affectionate hug. Family friends for many years, George Cheng several years ago arranged for a private recital by Ma as part of a surprise birthday celebration for his wife.

“I am thrilled to see Yo-Yo again,” said Cheng. “His playing is wonderful, and I would not have missed seeing him or hearing this performance for anything.”

Philharmonic Society President Dean Corey welcomed the artists and thanked Arlene Cheng and her family for their generous support. Thanks were also extended to Philharmonic Society board members Alan Beimfohr, Sabra Bordas and Bill Conlin, who jointly underwrote the reception.

Reception guests enjoyed delicious Asian-themed canapés including tuna tartare on wonton crisps, spring rolls with thai peanut sauce, lettuce wraps with hoisin marinated chicken, and assorted sushi, prepared and served by Patina Catering.

This concert by Yo-Yo Ma was the second in the Philharmonic Society’s newly inaugurated Segerstrom Select Series of five stellar performances, launched on October 2nd with a sold-out performance by opera star Kiri Te Kanawa. Continuing in 2008, the series will also present the Czech Philharmonic, Soprano Dawn Upshaw, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the baton of Esa-Pekka Salonen in his final Orange County performance as Music Director.

Also among the evening’s guests: Robert Carmichael and Elizabeth Hayward, Jane and Stan Grier, Laila and Bill Conlin, Jim and Elaine Alexiou, Patricia and Richard Allen, Jim and Dleanor Anderson, Diane and John Arnold, Linda and Alan Beimfohr, John Benecke, Pete and Sabra Bordas, Jane and Jim Driscoll, Betty and S.L. Huang, Connie and Larry Hull, Annie Kchu, Sharon Lebon, Helen and Fritz Lin, Ann and Bob Mosher, Laila and Doug Rankin, Dorothy Taylor, Treva Tilden, Elaine Weinburg, and Phyllis Jacobs.

BY ANN CONWAY

With glowing praise from soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa---"This hall is absolutely gorgeous!"--and read felicitations from famed tenor Placido Domingo--"Congratulations!"---the new Elizabeth & Henry Segerstrom Select Series was launched by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County during a one-year anniversary "Soiree" celebration on Oct. 2 at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. "This hall not only has a heart, it has a pulse!" said New Zealand icon Te Kanawa, who noted that a "concert hall is not a concert hall unless until has a concert and people in it."

Thrilling an SRO audience with selections by composers including Mozart, Strauss, Copland and Puccini, Te Kanawa, dripping in diamonds from Black, Starr & Frost, not only stole their hearts but their collective breath. The ecstatic crowd jumped to its feet for a rapturous standing ovation following her world-class performance accompanied by pianist Julian Reynolds (on a gleaming new Steinway purchased for the hall by arts patron Michelle Rohé from the Steinway factory in Hamburg).

"Good evening and welcome to the opening night of our 2007-08 Classical Season," said Philharmonic President Dean Corey, from onstage. "This is the first performance of the Elizabeth and Henry Segerstrom Select Concert Series and the first anniversary of the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. I can't think of a more fitting way to celebrate!"

Corey expressed sadness over hall acoustician Russell Johnson's recent death, saying, "this hall is Russell's masterpiece. I'm saddened he could not be here to celebrate the triumph of this venue and to hear the voice of Dame Kiri. He is with us in spirit."

Addressing Elizabeth and Henry Segerstrom, Corey thanked them for a never-before series that will make "our lives richer and more joyful." "Henry, the realization of your vision is why we're here tonight," Corey said. "I actually love lima beans! And what I really love is being on this land, in this hall, at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in the Orange County Performing Artscenter in Costa Mesa in the United States of America!"

"Soiree" guests arrived on a ruby-red carpet that led them to a champagne and appetizer reception in the marble-paved concert hall lobby. Afterward, the elegant black-tie crowd swept into Leatherby's Cafe Rouge for a New Zealand-inspired feast of rack of lamb and sea bass accompanied by New Zealand red and white wines. Dessert was a concert of sweets that featured chocolate-espresso fondant with milk chocolate ice cream and apple cake with clove Anglaise and vanilla ice cream.

Among guests was Performing Artscenter President Terry Dwyer. "Nothing gives me more pleasure than to be here for an event sponsored by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and a great concert by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa," Dwyer said. "This is a perfect celebration of the new hall." Also attending was New Zealand Consul General Rob Taylor: "Dame Kiri is not only a national treasure, but an icon," Taylor observed during dinner. "When you mention Dame Kiri to any New Zealander, they will have all of her CDs and love her as a daughter of New Zealand."

Co-chairing the historic gala was Laila Conlin, assisted by Co-Chair, Renee Adler. "We wanted this to be a wonderful, memorable evening," Conlin said. Added husband Bill Conlin, Chairman of the Philharmonic Board: "The Philharmonic is unique; we are presenters. The options are wide open for us to bring the very best performers in the world to this concert hall. We are so grateful that Elizabeth and Henry Segerstrom are so generously supporting our efforts!"

Other concerts being offered in the Select Segerstrom Series:
Yo-Yo Ma, cello, and Kathryn Stott on November 18, 2007
Czech Philharmonic on February 25, 2008
Osvaldo Golijov's Ayre featuring Dawn Upshaw on March 3, 2008
and Los Angeles Philharmonic on April 27, 2008.

Also attending were: Bill Adler, Elaine and Jim Alexiou, Eleanor and Jim Anderson, Jannell and Robert Bassett, Linda and Alan Beimfohr, Sabra and Peter Bordas, Gloria and R.J. Brandes, Debra Gunn Downing, Jim Driscoll, David Emmes and Paula Tomei, Charles Fabius, Linda and Bruce Fetter, Eleanor and Michael Gordon, Jane and Stan Grier, Kathy and Noel Hamilton, Maralou and Jerry Harrington, Ninetta and Gavin Herbert, Jon Holman, Betty and S.L. Huang, Leonard Jaffee and Helen Smith, Judith and Howard Jelinek, Janice Johnson, Caroline Jones, Siret and Jaak Jurison, Jeanine and Louis Knobbe, Betty and Richard Koshalek, Emily and Michael Laskin, Jan and Gary Lawrence, Melissa Lilly, Christina Lyon and Sidney Gibbs, Tina and Michael Madden, Charles Margolin and Hedda Marosi, Sharon McNalley, Lilly and Paul Merage, Alfredo and Lisa Molina, Gisela and Adolf Ohmann, Deborah and Richard Polonsky, Carolina and John Prichard, Marcia Kay and Ron Radelet, Michelle Rohé, Ron Rubino and Sharon Esterley, Deirdre and Doug Smith, Beverly Spring, Elizabeth and John Stahr, Jeule and Dan Stein, Maria and Dennis Szakacs, Elaine Weinberg, Mary Ann and George Wentworth, and Bobbitt Williams.

BY ANN CONWAY

A prominent figure for decades on So. California’s classical music landscape, broadcaster Saul Levine, owner and operator of Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters, was presented with the Philharmonic Society's esteemed Golden Baton Award at its annual Golden Baton Patron Appreciation Dinner on July 15 at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort in Newport Beach.

“We are honoring someone in the artistic community in So. California who has done remarkable work in making classical music happen not only for Orange County and the Philharmonic Society, but throughout the L.A. Basin,” said Society’s former executive director and newly re-titled President, Dean Corey. “Tonight, we honor Saul Levine, a man who is one of the few owners of radio stations in the U.S. His K-Mozart has been a huge supporter, a great friend, of the Philharmonic for years and has done so much for us, making sure our message gets out. And when we’ve been through tough times, his support never let up. He lives up to what we are really all about and why we are all here---a passion and love for music!”

Applause for Levine rang out in the ballroom where enthusiastic Philharmonic patrons were seated at tables crowned with colorful bouquets of roses, lilies and sunflowers embellished with fresh fruits. Humbly, Levine thanked the crowd and turned the spotlight on Corey, telling guests how lucky they were to have such a passionate proponent of classical music in their midst. “Thank you Dean,” he said. “We have something in common, the programming of classical music.”

After a cocktail and appetizer reception, guests were seated for a formal dinner featuring a Napoleon of roasted tenderloin of beef served up with fine wines from Cobblestone Vineyards, owned by Levine and his wife, Anita. Following dinner, guests enjoyed a festive concert by Triada, a trio of brothers who play classical guitar.

Philharmonic Board Chairman Bill Conlin welcomed guests, who included dinner underwriter and former Golden Baton Award recipient (2000) Eugenia D. Thompson. “This evening not only marks the 20th anniversary of the Golden Baton Award, but the 54th year of the Philharmonic Society,” Conlin observed. “It also marks the end of our first year in the new Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, a year of great experiences.

“We're looking forward to our second year, beginning October 2, with an opening night extravaganza honoring Dame Kiri Te Kanawa on her farewell tour. We’d like all of you to participate in one of our biggest fund-raisers of the year.”

Besides honoring Levine, Corey spoke of his appreciation of the Society's generous Esterhazy Patrons and all of the Society patrons attending the elegant sit-down dinner. “Thank you for your support. If some alien space ship hovered above and sucked all of you up, Orange County would be in musical desolation. It is a great honor to be with you. Without you, the Philharmonic Society could not exist.”

Past Golden Baton Award Recipients attending were: Eugenia Thompson, Douglas and Deidre Smith, Elaine Redfield, Stan and Jane Grier.

Also attending were: Esterhazy Patrons Darrel Anderson, Alan and Linda Beimfohr, Douglas Burch, Bill and Laila Conlin, Jack and Elaine Delman, Judith Jelinek, Jaak and Siret Jurison, Steve and Shala Lutz, Mike and Lori Nadler, Bill and Barbara Roberts, Stephen and Stephanie Salyer, Elaine Weinberg, George and Mary Ann Wentworth, Bill and Bobbitt Williams.