Pasadena Resident to be Honored by LA Master Chorale

It will be an unforgettable evening of music, glamour and heartfelt tributes when the Los Angeles Master Chorale (LAMC) honors Pasadena resident President & CEO Terry Knowles, who is stepping down at the conclusion of the season after 15 years of visionary leadership, at its annual gala celebration, “LAMC Gala 2015,” on Sunday, March 1, 2015, at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

A highly regarded arts luminary noted for her key role in bringing the chorus to national prominence, Knowles has led the organization since 2000 through the most phenomenal growth period in its 50-year history. Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Adams is the Honorary Gala Chair. The event features champagne and hors d’oeuvres in Disney Hall’s dramatic lobby, a remarkable private performance by the Chorale conducted by Artistic Director Grant Gershon on stage, a gourmet dinner by Patina in PB Hall, the LAMC’s signature “Surround Sing,” during which Chorale singers encircle gala patrons and shower them in glorious song, irresistible auction items, and dancing to the music of Wayne Foster Entertainment. BNY Mellon is Gala Benefactor. Kiki Ramos Gindler and LAMC Board Chair David Gindler are Platinum Gala Patrons. Gala proceeds help support LAMC’s artistic and education programs throughout the year.

“Under Terry’s exceptional and visionary leadership, the Los Angeles Master Chorale has become one of the world’s preeminent professional choirs, enjoying unsurpassed artistic expansion, remarkable fiscal growth, robust community partnerships and a stellar international reputation,” states David Gindler. “We are extremely grateful to her for the incredible impact she has had on the Chorale as well as on the city of Los Angeles and the choral community at large. There is no stronger advocate for choral music than Terry, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale has benefited beyond measure from her unwavering support, shrewd management and deeply felt passion. Through her work, she has touched the lives of so many people, and her legacy will endure long after she steps down.”

The Gala Committee includes Co-Chairs Annette Ermshar, Ph.D., and Kiki Ramos Gindler, as well as Raymundo Baltazar, Agnes Lew, Marian Niles, Wendy Pylko, Sonia Randazzo and Jann Williams.

Highlights during Knowles’ remarkable tenure with the Chorale include facilitating the choir’s transition to Walt Disney Concert Hall, increasing the Chorale’s operating budget by more than 80% to $5.4 million, and expanding its season and institutional profile significantly while working closely with Artistic Director Grant Gershon to help realize his artistic vision for the past 15 seasons.

She has also overseen ambitious commissioning projects, tours to Europe, New York and the Midwest, the release of six commercial CDs, a recording partnership with Decca Classics, the Chorale’s expanded relationship with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and other leading Southland music organizations, and the launch of the “Voices Within” education outreach program, inspiring the next generation of composers, singers and music lovers. Under Knowles’ management, the Chorale has twice received the ASCAP/Chorus America Award for Adventurous Programming – in 2003 and 2010 – as well as Chorus America’s prestigious 2012 Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence, the nation’s highest choral music award.

LAMC Gala 2015 tickets start at $650 per person with tables for 10 patrons starting at $6,000. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is located at 111 South Grand Avenue at First Street in downtown Los Angeles. For gala information or to purchase tickets, please call (213) 972-3162 or visit www.lamc.org.