FEBRUARY 2021

We are well into the new year, and I couldn’t be more excited about our future. This sense of optimism is in many ways a result of you, our donors, who have continued to support us and believe in our mission of sharing choral music with the widest possible audience.  

Our fall fundraising campaign, which supported our musicians through the Emergency Fund for Artistic Innovation, raised $174,000, 40% more than last year. The Holiday Karaoke digital program was seen by 1,300 people who donated another $18,000, and tens of thousands of people shared in our singers’ artistry by viewing our virtual choirs on social media and our website. The enthusiasm that you have shown has been inspiring to us. Thank you so much.   

We hope you will help us to continue to build on the momentum of the past months and join us on May 16 for GALA 2021. At this special online event, we will honor the philanthropic leadership of Laney Techentin and the artistry of the singers of the Los Angeles Master Chorale. At GALA 2021, we will premiere Shine Bright, a triptych of pieces by Meredith Monk, Derrick Spiva, Jr., and Reena Esmail, Swan Family Artist-in-Residence. Tickets begin at $25. I hope to see you all there.   

Many of us have experienced great loss over the last year. Two very dear members of our community are among our losses. Tom Techentin passed after a long illness. He was the husband of our GALA 2021 honoree, Laney, and was a loyal supporter of the Master Chorale. We send our condolences to Laney and her family.  

We were also crestfallen to learn that our beloved board member Leeba Lessin passed last month after a long illness. Leeba joined our board in 2017 and served as our treasurer, providing valuable leadership that helped us remain on sound financial footing. We miss her dearly and wish her family and friends comfort during this difficult time.  

While we have encountered recent grief, we have also encountered hope. And as we plan for our future with a new set of possibilities in front of us, we are so grateful to you for your goodwill, commitment, and shared love of choral music. Thank you again, so much.  

—Jean Davidson, President & CEO

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