Westside Committee of LA Philharmonic to Host Dessertimento

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Westside Committee of the Los Angeles Philharmonic will host Dessertimento—an annual musical event that raises funds for scholarships for local musicians given out through the Palisades Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artists Award Competitions.

“The Westside Committee of the LA Philharmonic is a group of women who love classical music, and raise funds to support the orchestra and its educational outreach programs,” President Esme Douglas explained to the Palisadian-Post. “We volunteer in various ways, especially in activities that expose children to the Philharmonic and to spectacular Disney Hall.”

These activities include assisting with pre-concert art, dance and music, which precede each Toyota Symphony for Youth, and assisting with The Symphonies for Schools, which bring several thousand children to hear music at Disney Hall.

Saturday’s Dessertimento show will feature a musical performance by Mark Kashper, associate principal second violin LA Philharmonic, who will be accompanied by a pianist.

“Having an event in the community where our community can go and see a professional working musician in an organization such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic is something that’s very inspiring,” said Barbara Klein, who is involved in the program.

Kashper, born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, is a graduate of the Leningrad Conservatory. He started taking violin lessons at the age of 5, learning from David Oistrakh.

Arriving in the United States as a refugee in February 1978, three months later Kashper became a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, earning promotions and serving as a member for decades.

Two past scholarship winners, Palisadian Audrey Yang and Mathew Lee Chang, will also perform.

“I think music is a very important part of any child’s education,” Klein said.

The concert will take place on Sunday, November 3, at 7 p.m. at Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, located at 15821 Sunset Blvd. A dessert reception will follow performances.

Those interested in joining the Westside Committee of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a Los Angeles Philharmonic Affiliate, are invited to attend a general meeting, held each month on the third Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club.

“If you love music, want to meet like-minded people and help introduce children to classical music, our group is waiting to welcome you,” Douglas shared.

For more information, contact Membership Liaison Mary Baker at marymbaker50@gmail.com.