May 31th, 2024

Philharmonia Foundation

 

On May 15th, Mrs Betsy Pitts hosted the annual fundraiser for the Philharmonia Foundation, raising support for London's Philharmonia Orchestra's 80th anniversary tour of the United States in 2025. Principal Guest Conductor and trailblazing leader in music, Marin Alsop was guest of honour and gave an address about her career and her dedication to innovation in music. A musical performance was given by Mark van de Wiel, Philharmonia Principal Clarinet, and Richard Birchall, Philharmonia No.3 Cello, accompanied by Luis Ortiz on piano.

The musical program featured Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Beethoven and Brahms. Matthew Hurlock, President of the Philharmonia Foundation, Betsy Pitts, Foundation Board Member, and Thorben Dittes, Chief Executive of the Philharmonia Orchestra, spoke. The Philharmonia Foundation supports the Philharmonia Orchestra, a world-class British Symphony orchestra led by Principal Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali, on its tours of the US and ambitious music performance and education programs around the world.

Sir John-Eliot Gardineris Principal Guest Conductor Emeritus and Marin Alsopis Principal Guest Conductor. His Majesty King Charles III is the Orchestra's Royal Patron of more than 40 years, and eight members of the Orchestra were invited to play at the Coronation in May 2023.

Photo Credit: Annie Watt