Photo Flash: Stars Come Out in Support of the José Iturbi Foundation at The Hollywood Bowl

The José Iturbi Foundation is once again, a proud sponsor of the LA Philharmonic, featuring this year's concert at the Hollywood Bowl conducted by Gustavo Dudamel with piano soloist Yuja Wang, in what was a "historic performance," as noted in Mark Sved's LA Times review.

The stars came out, to sit under the stars, in support of The José Iturbi Foundation and its Co-Founder and President, Donelle Dadigan, performances of Ravel's "Bolero," "Gershwin's Rhapsody In Blue" and "Porgy and Bess Suite" at The Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

"Concert pianist, Yuja Wang is one-of-a-kind! Thursday night's performance was especially thrilling for the Jose' Iturbi Foundation as both José Iturbi and Yuja Wang, are akin to global rock stars of classic music for multiple generations," remarked Donelle Dadigan

On Thursday, July 21st, fans of the man, his music and the foundation that bares his name, including Donna Mills, Marion Ross, Don Most, Gregory Zarian, Dawn Wells and award-winning composers Charles Fox and Richard Sherman gathered with Donelle Dadigan (Goddaughter of the great maestro, José Iturbi) for a special evening, starting with a pre-concert reception and private dinner at The Grill in Hollywood, followed by an LA Philharmonic performance at The Hollywood Bowl. "This particular collection of stars would have pleased my Godfather tremendously, to have so many personalities from his favorite TV show, "Happy Days," gathered in support." Commented Ms. Dadigan.

"Donelle Dadigan was the perfect hostess on behalf of the José Iturbi Foundation. She gave a wonderful prelude to a spectacular evening," remarked award-winning actress & producer, Donna Mills." "Making sure all her guests were fed and shepherded into the Hollywood Bowl. The performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel was extraordinary. My favorite was "Rhapsody in Blue" with Yuja Wang at piano. I have seen it performed many times, but this was absolutely the best I have ever seen. It made me cry, it was so beautiful!"

Actor and director, Don Most, expressed "What a fabulous event! The pre-concert dinner was beautifully done, and the concert itself was breathtaking. I was brought to my feet multiple times. A truly memorable evening."

Grammy® & Emmy® winning composer, Charles Fox added, "We must congratulate Donelle Dadigan and the José Iturbi Foundation for sponsoring a fantastic concert at the Hollywood Bowl Thursday night with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It was a great night to remember for all who were there, and it looked like a capacity audience."

The José Iturbi Foundation is dedicated to José Iturbi's mission of creating opportunities to promote classical music in Los Angeles and the world. The Foundation's motto is "Popularizing classic music - one note at a time!" And that's just what the foundation does through blockbuster concerts featuring international superstars of classical music, and forums for "young artists in the making," who are classically trained pianists and singers - to debut their talent, launch their careers and bring to the public's attention today's emerging talent through an international music competition, and dynamic live concert performances. To date, The José Iturbi Foundation has awarded more than $950,000.00 to gifted pianist and singers from around the world, through the José Iturbi International Music Competition.

"At my age, of course, I knew Jose Iturbi," said actress, Marion Ross. Adding, "In the middle of a world in turmoil of today, how sweet it was to be invited by Donelle Dadigan and The José Iturbi Foundation to a dinner celebrating something so positive as investing in the future of our young performers. Then, to be included in the wonderful experience of attending The Hollywood Bowl for a performance of Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' directed by Gustavo Dudamel. Now, that's my Hollywood!"

It may come as a surprise to hear that Jose' Iturbi was the first artist to sell a million copies of Chopin's "Military Polonaise," written for classical piano. It wasn't Sinatra. It wasn't The Beatles and it wasn't Elvis Presley. To honor the achievement, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. José Iturbi was a world famous concert pianist and conductor who performed to sold-out audiences in concert halls around the world. He enjoyed portraying himself in several MGM musicals in the 1940's - including "Anchors Aweigh," starring Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly. He also enjoyed performing with Judy Garland, Jane Powell, and Kathryn Grayson, to name a few. From humble beginnings he became the most appreciated and influential classical musician on stage and in film of his time. Today, The José Iturbi Foundation sponsors the largest classic music competition in the world.

Actress Dawn Wells, who was in attendance, commented, "José Iturbi Foundation and The Hollywood Bowl are a wonderful combination. I'm very impressed with Ms. Dadigan and all she has done with the foundation in supplying opportunities in the arts available to those who would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience. Educating and in inspiring out young through various programs and opportunities throughout the year." Academy Award® winning composer, Richard Sherman agreed, "Superbly gifted pianist Yuja Wang was the highlight of the event, brilliantly conducted by Dudamel with the LA Phil. It was an unforgettable evening of musical splendor, sponsored and hosted by The José Iturbi Foundation headed by the gracious Donelle Dadigan."

Photo Credits: Bill Dow, Courtesy of The José Iturbi Foundation

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