L.A. Chilren's Chorus Presents Bel Canto Gala March 9, 2012

LOS ANGELES CHILDREN’S CHORUS HONORS
CONDUCTOR JAMES CONLON, ALUMNA ANNA CHRISTY AND NESTLÉ USA AT GALA BEL CANTO

Friday, March 9, 2012, 6 p.m.,
at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion’s Grand Hall in Downtown Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) raises its voice in song to honor musical luminaries James Conlon, LA Opera Music Director, and Anna Christy, soprano and LACC alumna, as well as visionary corporate partner Nestlé USA, represented by Nestlé USA Chairman and CEO Brad Alford, at Gala Bel Canto on Friday, March 9, 2012, 6 pm, at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion’s Grand Hall in downtown Los Angeles. More than 150 LACC choristers – from some of its youngest members who began in LACC’s “First Experiences in Singing” class to its highly accomplished Chamber Singers – present a sparkling musical tribute to the honorees. The Gala also includes a delectable three-course sit-down dinner and dazzling live auction.

Noted opera singer Suzanna Guzmán, described as “a rarity” (New York Times) and “a fire-eating singing actress,” (Time Magazine), serves as Master of Ceremonies for the music-filled evening. Proceeds benefit Los Angeles Children's Chorus’ artistic, educational and scholarship programs.

“We are very pleased to recognize James Conlon, Anna Christy and Nestlé USA for their tremendous impact on LACC and beyond,” says gala Chair Mary Blodgett (San Marino).

In demand around the globe with the world’s leading musical organizations, Conlon has been hailed as “a miracle of equilibrium: his dramatic intuition never fails, nor betrays the transparency of the music” (La Monde de la Musique). In addition to a busy conducting schedule, he is dedicated to mentoring young artists and has conducted members of LACC in numerous LA Opera productions and, just five days prior to the gala, will lead LACC and the American Youth Symphony in a joint concert featuring the world premiere of The isle is full of noises by Icelandic composer Daníel Bjarnason as part of the LA Phil’s “Sounds About Town” series at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Praised as “nimble of voice, body and spirit” (New York Times), Christy, who has sung at the Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe Opera, LA Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago, among other notable opera companies, has provided her stellar artistry to LACC both as a founding chorister and, more recently as a highly acclaimed professional opera star, though numerous benefit performances and workshops with LACC.

Corporate partner Nestlé USA has provided invaluable, leadership support to LACC’s newest program, First Experiences in Singing, which introduces six- and seven-year olds from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds to the wonders and excitement of singing and music. Generous funding from Nestlé USA has enabled LACC to sink deeper roots into the local San Gabriel Valley community by presenting its “First Experiences in Singing” program at Nestlé-adopted Daniel Webster Elementary School in Pasadena, where LACC will also offer satellite auditions for the school’s young students at the end of the spring semester.

In addition to Blodgett, gala committee members include Annie Yeager Higgins (Pasadena), Jill Westbrook Roberts (San Marino), Ann Sunshine (Pasadena), and Andrea Greene Willard (San Marino).

Gala tickets are $375 per person with special sponsorship packages available. For tickets and information, please call (626) 793-4231 or visit www.lachildrenschorus.org.

Official Website: http://www.lachildrenschorus.org