The following is a press release from an organization unaffiliated with Culture OC. The information provided has been written by the submitting organization and not by the writers at Culture OC. We include this on our site in the spirit of sharing information about the arts and culture community in Orange County.
The Philharmonic Society of Orange County and the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (AFIPO) are pleased to announce they have entered into a partnership, building on the two organizations’ longstanding legacies and similarly ingrained missions as providers of phenomenal music and cultural experiences.
The AFIPO, which supports the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra’s American touring operations and a wide array of musical and educational activities in Israel, is launching an exciting newly expanded strategy for cultural engagement in American Jewish communities, providing year-round opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience Israel Philharmonic presented programming that reflects the highest artistic caliber. First being launched in Orange County, California, and with the hope this model will soon be adopted in other communities, this strategy emphasizes empowering communities to form leadership councils and self-fund programming to meet local interests and needs with the intent to foster greater connection between Americans and Israel.
The inaugural community event is a concert with Israeli pianist Tom Borrow on Monday evening October 30th at Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot in Irvine. Mr. Borrow will bring his virtuosity to debut in Orange County with a recital program of Ravel and Rachmaninoff Preludes.
The Philharmonic Society will support the AFIPO’s year-round programming through publicity efforts and partner with AFIPO on an annual marquee event that aligns with the two organizations’ commitment to enriching cultural life in the community. The first partner event will be An Evening with Itzhak Perlman, taking place Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. The two organizations will co-host a VIP evening experience including a unique multi-media performance offering an intimate window into the life of acclaimed violinist and co-chair of the AFIPO Board, Itzhak Perlman.
“As the Philharmonic Society of Orange County is a leading presenter of exceptional classical artists, it was a natural fit for us to partner with the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra as they deliver on their thoughtfully expanded strategic plan in the communities we serve,” said Tommy Phillips, President and Artistic Director of the Philharmonic Society.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Philharmonic Society of Orange County as we continue to expand the impact and artistry of the world-renowned Israel Philharmonic and other related special guest artists. Both our organizations share the common mission of convening and engaging, and thereby galvanizing, our communities around exceptional classical musical, cultural, and educational experiences that educate and stimulate one’s mind and soul,” stated Stephen H. Gordon, Board Member of The AFIPO National Board of Directors.
"The partnership between the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County is part of our national effort to expand awareness and support for the Israel Philharmonic. Both organizations share a vision and focus on the importance of culture in our community. We at the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic hope that this is the first of many communities to create a new model for philanthropy” James Ackerman, President of the AFIPO National Board of Directors.
Information on support and participation opportunities for An Evening with Itzhak Perlman and the AFIPO’s new programming initiatives will be announced at a later date.
