Music Academy of the West Opening Night Gala

MUSIC ACADEMY OF THE WEST ANNOUNCES GUEST ARTISTS, CO-CHAIRS, FOR OPENING NIGHT GALA, HONORING A LEGEND

June 14 Gala to celebrate Jerome Lowenthal’s 50th anniversary as an acclaimed piano faculty artist at the Music Academy, with a concert featuring Academy alumni

Gala is Co-Chaired by Michele Brustin, Stephanie Shuman, and Warren Staley, with Honorary Chairs Leatrice Luria and Kandy Luria-Budgor 

The Music Academy of the West will host their Opening Night Gala, aptly themed “Honoring a Legend” on Friday, June 14 celebrating Jerome Lowenthal’s 50th anniversary as an acclaimed faculty artist at the Music Academy and the 72nd anniversary of the Summer School and Festival. All proceeds will benefit the Academy’s full-scholarship program that brings 140 fellows from across the country and around the world to study and perform with world-class faculty and guest artists in Santa Barbara during the eight weeks. Guests will enjoy a spectacular evening from start to finish, including a 5 pm cocktail reception, a 6 pm performance at Hahn Hall, and an al fresco dinner in the Miraflores courtyard that includes a special encore performance.

The unforgettable concert program, curated by the honoree, will feature star-studded Academy alumni pianists Micah McLaurin (’14, ’16), Elizabeth Roe (’01), Evan Shinners (’09), and Orion Weiss (’00), guest artist pianist Ursula Oppens, and Jerry Lowenthal himself. Jerry‘s program will reflect on his illustrious career. The concert will be held in the Music Academy’s intimate Hahn Hall, which the Santa Barbara Independent dubs an “ultra- luxurious jewel-box venue.”

The Gala Co-Chairs are former Board member Michele Brustin, Board member Stephanie Shuman, and Board Chair Warren Staley, with Honorary Chairs Leatrice Luria and Kandy Luria-Budgor. Gala Committee Members comprise Sharon Bradford, Paul Guido, Georgia Lynn, Maurice Singer, Diane Sullivan, Anne Towbes, and Pam Valeski. 

Lead Supporters for the event are Artist Sponsors Stephanie and Fred Shuman, and Dinner Sponsors Mary Lynn and Warren Staley.