Taiwanese Orchestra
Dazzles Packed House

Click for more photos of the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra Concert

On December 10th, the 76-piece Evergreen Symphony Orchestra performed a unique bill that became a fitting celebration of the Port of L.A.’s 100th anniversary and its decades-long collaboration with the Evergreen Shipping Company.

With the enthusiastic support of both organizations, the Grand Vision Foundation presented the orchestra for its U.S. premiere at the Warner Grand Theatre.

Under musical direction of conductor Gernot Schmalfuss, formerly of the Munich Chamber and Philharmonic Orchestras, the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra (ESO) is quickly gaining recognition for its richly emotional and technically precise interpretations of both European classical pieces and traditional Taiwanese tunes, newly arranged for symphonic expression.

Vision and Funding Create Stunning Musical Achievement

In 1985, the Evergreen Group’s Chang Yung-Fa Foundation embarked on its original mission of promoting culture and the arts, and providing grants to the underprivileged for health care and education. Between 1986 and 1997, they sponsored 28 of Taiwan’s finest music students to study at major music academies in the U.S., aiming to cultivate a new generation of outstanding musical talent. By 2002, a 70-person ESO was ready to showcase the best of the best.

Last December 10, anyone who came to the Warner Grand with preconceived notions of either Asian music or corporate detachment from real human experience, or both, was quickly jarred to a new and delightful understanding. Also immediately set aside were obvious differences among the audience of more than 1200. The cultural mix—comprised of American and Taiwanese visitors and locals, executives, dignitaries and ordinary folk of all ages—settled into the newly upholstered seats from the first row nearly to the Theater’s striking, art-deco rafters. All were soon to discover that this night was about unity, and to experience a wordless and unanimous identification with such exceptional artistry.

As the music began, selections listed as Taiwanese Folk Songs sent out heart-rending strains that had entire rows unconsciously leaning toward the stage in something like recognition. At a couple of points, one audience member reported that she actually heard people near her sigh, and wondered if they were remembering the old friends and lost loves the music seemed to conjure. The sound evoked a soulful beauty, images of a land and culture of rich origins and almost mystical depth. It couldn’t help but generate goodwill and openness.

Continued...

Check out upcoming events at the Warner Grand Theatre and buy tickets, click here

For information on theatre rental call
310.548.2493.

Thank you to our Evergreen Symphony Orchestra sponsors for a concert of unprecedented success!

For photos, click here

The Save Your Seat Campaign is a major community campaign to raise $800,000 to restore, repair and recushion the Warner Grand Theatre's 1,500 seats. The Campaign is also raising funds to install a cinema sound system and repair the stage rigging. When you make a donation of $400 or more, a plaque will be affixed to a theatre seat in the name of your choice. Learn more about Restoration Efforts here.

This is the first in a series of fundraising parties
to support the Save Your Seat campaign.

Built in 1931, the Warner Grand is the only one of the three Warner Brothers art deco theaters in Los Angeles that is still intact AND fully functioning with a calendar of events appealing to a wide range of interests, including classic and foreign films, youth programs, and contemporary and classical music.

Dubbed "the castle of your dreams" by Jack Warner Jr. on opening day, the Warner Grand is a center for FAMILY, FUN AND COMMUNITY today.

The Warner Grand Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a City of Los Angeles Cultural Historic Landmark. Want to volunteer or become a member? Call 310.833-4813 or email us at leslie@grandvision.org.

Grand Vision Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization whose mission is to preserve and promote the Warner Grand Theatre, located in San Pedro, CA.