Photo Flash: Jr Philharmonic Honors Charles Fox & Carol Channing
The Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra was the dream and creation of one man, Dr. Ernst Katz, who dedicated his life to young people in music. His philosophy was to "Give Youth A Chance To Be Heard." He never accepted government subsidy nor commercial sponsorship. He never charged an audition fee nor a membership charge to the more than 70,000 young musicians who auditioned or the more than 10,000 who became members. On December 13, 2001, the President of the United States bestowed on him the nation's highest honor for volunteerism at a White House ceremony. Ernst Katz' legacy continues with his nephew, Gary S. Greene, now conducting the Jr. Philharmonic.
On Sunday, June 5th, 2011, California's now famed Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra held its 74th Anniversary Concert Spectacular at The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The evenings Master of Ceremonies was Wink Martindale along with guest hosts Jack Carter and June Lockhart. Special performances included the extremely talented Jordan Bennett singing "This is the Moment" from Jekyll and Hyde and "Anthem" from Chess, as well as Victoria Gordon singing Jekyll and Hyde's "Someone Like you" and Petri Hawkins-Byrd's outstanding rendition of "What A Wonderful World." Among the evening's highlights was Grammy and Emmy winning and iconic TV Theme Composer, Charles Fox, who conducted many of his hit compositions from Nine to Five, European Vacation, Oh God: Book II and Babarella, as well as a TV Medley of his hit theme songs from Wide World of Sports, Love American Style, Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Wonder Woman and Love Boat. While Fox received an award for his outstanding career achievements, presented by friend, colleague and Academy Award winning composer, Richard Sherman, the top honors for the evening went to Broadway legend Carol Channing, who was presented with The Golden Baton Award. At 90 years of age, Ms. Channing's presence, voice and personality was so large, it literally filled the stage, flowed over the audience and into the balcony.
In addition to the Jr. Philharmonic appearance, both Fox and Channing have extremely active schedules. This week Fox prepares for the 4th annual "The Songs of Our Lives" concert to benefit the Fulfillment Fund (fulfillment.org) - a nonprofit organization which helps Los Angeles youth overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dreams of higher education - on Monday, June 13 at 7:30 pm at the Wadsworth Theatre. Actor, Tony Danza will emcee The concert's lineup which includes Richard Marx, Allee Willis, David Pack, Steve Dorff, Jeff Barry, Felix Cavaliere, as well as the legendary songwriting duo Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox. Ms. Channing, on the other hand, prepares for the release of both a new CD (Carol Channing: Red, White & Blue) as well as the highly anticipated and critically acclaimed documentary by famed Director/Producer, Dori Berinstein, appropriately titled "Carol Channing: Larger Than Life" in September. Both projects support Ms Channing's efforts to bring the Arts back into the public school systems across America through the Channing/Kullijian Foundation (ChanningArts.org).
The Los Angeles Philharmonic has invited the Jr. Philharmonic to be a partner in a major initiative to cultivate the next generation of professional musicians. As part of this program, the LA Phil provides its world-class musicians, conductors and guest artists to mentor the musicians of the Jr. Phil at rehearsals, in master classes and in concerts.
Photos: Courtesy of the Jr. Philharmonic
Wink Martindale, Richard Sherman, Charles Fox, Jordon Bennett, Victoria Gordon, Carol Channing, Gary Greene, June Lockhart and Petri Hawkins-Byrd
Backstage with Wink Martindale, June Lockhart, Petri Hawkins-Byrd, Gary Greene, Carol Channing, Richard Sherman and Charles Fox
Gary Greene, Carol Channing and Wink Martindale
Gary Greene, Charles Fox and Richard Sherman
Gary Greene introduces the Jr. Philharmonic
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