There was a delightful display of star-power at The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) benefit concert, “Every Child Sings,” at Zipper Hall in Downtown L.A.
The evening was graced by the presence of special guest Akiko Meyers, a world-renowned violinist, who joined LACC for a musical journey spanning from Bach to Dolly Parton, under the guidance of LACC Directors Fernando Malvar-Ruiz and Steven Kronauer. This event, attended by 200 guests, was not just a celebration of music but also a testament to the power of philanthropy.
The event raised $175,000 for the scholarship fund, Every Child Sings.
From its humble beginnings in 1985, when a group of local youngsters rehearsed in the basem*nt of Pasadena Presbyterian Church, LACC has blossomed into a Grammy-winning ensemble. Its influence has not been confined to Southern California but has resonated across the globe.
This journey of growth and success is a confirmation of the unwavering support and belief of LACC’s audiences and advocates.
LACC’s Associate Artistic Director Fred Meads; Executive Director Susan Miller Kotses; Artistic Director Fernando Malvar-Ruiz; and Dr. Steven Kronauer, director of the Young Men’s Ensemble. The Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) was joined by world-renowned Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers for the choir’s Every Child Sings benefit concert and after-party on April 12, 2024, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Jamie Pham)
LACC’s “Every Child Sings” committee members (l-r) Tanvir Gopal, Jessica McGlothlin, Lee Taylor, Elizabeth Voxman, Patrick Garcia and Annabel Raymond. The Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) was joined by world-renowned Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers for the choir’s Every Child Sings benefit concert and after-party on April 12, 2024, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Jamie Pham)
Members of LACC’s Chamber Singers performing at LACC’s “Every Child Sings”. The Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) was joined by world-renowned Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers for the choir’s Every Child Sings benefit concert and after-party on April 12, 2024, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Jamie Pham)
LACC Artistic Director Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, Platinum Sponsor Helen Bing and LACC Executive Director Susan Miller Kotses. The Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) was joined by world-renowned Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers for the choir’s Every Child Sings benefit concert and after-party on April 12, 2024, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Jamie Pham)
Renowned violinist Anne Akiko Meyers, who performed with LACC at “Every Child Sings,” and Artistic Director Fernando Malvar-Ruiz. The Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) was joined by world-renowned Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers for the choir’s Every Child Sings benefit concert and after-party on April 12, 2024, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Jamie Pham)
LACC Board Member James Mohammed, LACC Board Chair Dete Meserve. The Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) was joined by world-renowned Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers for the choir’s Every Child Sings benefit concert and after-party on April 12, 2024, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Jamie Pham)
LACC Assistant Chorus Manager Julia Nowak with Ed and Sara Nowak. The Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) was joined by world-renowned Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers for the choir’s Every Child Sings benefit concert and after-party on April 12, 2024, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Jamie Pham)
LACC’s Young Men’s Ensemble performing at LACC’s “Every Child Sings”. The Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) was joined by world-renowned Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers for the choir’s Every Child Sings benefit concert and after-party on April 12, 2024, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Jamie Pham)
LACC Chamber Choir member Stephanie Endara; LACC Concert Choir members Amanda Moore and Faye Richard; LACC Chamber Choir member Mimi Bernstein. The Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) was joined by world-renowned Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers for the choir’s Every Child Sings benefit concert and after-party on April 12, 2024, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Jamie Pham)
LACC Chamber Choir member Jade Riley, Mandy Brigham, LACC Concert Choir member Hannah Hagiwara. The Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) was joined by world-renowned Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers for the choir’s Every Child Sings benefit concert and after-party on April 12, 2024, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Jamie Pham)
LACC Concert Choir members Rhea Solbes, Sofia Gaffigan, Lily Raymond and Riley Smith. The Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) was joined by world-renowned Violinist Anne Akiko Meyers for the choir’s Every Child Sings benefit concert and after-party on April 12, 2024, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles. (Photo by Jamie Pham)
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Today, LACC is regarded as one of the world’s preeminent children’s choirs, appearing frequently with L.A. Opera, L.A. Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, L.A. Master Chorale, Pasadena Symphony and POPS.
As a beacon of hope, LACC unveiled its latest venture, LACO @ HOLA, through an educational video.
This initiative shines a spotlight on the partnership between LACC and Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), bringing LACC’s music education program to the HOLA campus in Lafayette Park.
The strategic move is aimed at reaching underserved youth in Central and South Central Los Angeles, opening doors to a world of music and creativity for them.
The video featured LACC’s Associate Artistic Director Fred Meads, who is spearheading this new free program, working with the first wave of HOLA students, a glimpse into the promising future of music education.
“We are delighted to make Los Angeles Children’s Chorus’s choir members the centerpiece of our annual fundraiser,” said Executive Director Susan Miller Kotses. “This thoughtful and strategic reorganization is designed to highlight what we are raising funds for – LACC’s award-winning music education program and the children who gain lifelong benefits from participating.”
LACC Board Member Tanvir Gopal chaired the benefit committee, which included Elizabeth Besch, Steve Deschenes, Patrick Garcia, Jena Liddy, Jessica McGlothlin, Annabel Raymond and Elizabeth Voxman. Their hard work and dedication were instrumental in the success of the event, and all contributions were appreciated.
Helen Bing, Dete Meserve, Tracey Mitchel-Lai, Elizabeth Calciano fa*gan, Henry Chang, James Mohammad, Ed, Sara, and Julia Nowak, Meghan Umber, Anne and Dave Tomlinson, Mandy Brigham, Betsy Bartscherer, Ann Giesler, Fred Meads Twyla Meyer and Gail Homan were spotted in the crowd.
Next for LACC is its annual Spring Concert on May 25 at First United Methodist Church in Pasadena. They are excited to continue sharing their love for music with the community and look forward to continued support from their fans.
COMING UP:
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.
JUNE 6: La Opera presents the world premiere of Joel Thompson’s “Fire and Blue Sky.” The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Music Center, Los Angeles. (213) 972-8001 or laopera.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.
