Image for Step Afrika!
Step Afrika!
Wed. Jan. 17, 2024 at 8pm
About the Show

Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Irvine Barclay Theatre Present

Wed. Jan. 17, 2024 at 8pm

Part of Distinctive Experiences 
Part of the Eclectic Orange Series sponsored by The Jelinek Family Trust

This concert is presented without an intermission.

SPECIAL NOTE
Audience participation has been a part of the step tradition since its inception in the 1900s. Members of the audience are invited to clap, stomp, cheer and participate in call and response with the Artists

LEARN MORE ABOUT STEP AFRIKA!
Share your experience! #StepAfrika 
www.stepafrika.org 
Step Afrika! appears by arrangement with IMG Artists, LLC
7 West 54thStreet, New York, NY 10019 | 212-994-3500

About Step Afrika!

The company’s self-titled work Step Afrika! introduces audiences to stepping through both a traditional and contemporary lens. Step Afrika! incorporates percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.

Program

TRIBUTE 
CHOREOGRAPHED BY JAKARI SHERMAN
Tribute pays homage to the African American step show. The work combines the distinct stepping styles from different fraternities and sororities and blends them to showcase the incredible variety of stepping. Tribute includes all the exciting elements of the step show—the use of props, ripples and floor work, creative formations, and audience participation.

NDLAMU
CHOREOGRAPHED BY JACKIE SEMELA
Ndlamu is a traditional dance of the Zulu people and for more than 25 years, Step Afrika! has studied the dance form through the Company’s long-standing partnership with the Soweto Dance Theater. Step Afrika! makes this Ndlamu uniquely its own featuring solos created by each dancer as well as the addition of contemporary movement.

ISICATHULO 
CHOREOGRAPHED BY JACKIE SEMELA
Isicathulo or “the gumboot dance” is a tradition created by South African workers who labored in the oppressive mining industry of then-apartheid South Africa. Isolated from their families for long periods, the miners transformed their rubber boots into percussive instruments to not only entertain but to share secret messages with each other. Isicathulo has become one of the most popular dance forms in South Africa and has striking similarities to the AfricanAmerican tradition of stepping.

SOLO
Traditionally, stepping is performed by groups, big and small. In this Solo, Step Afrika! investigates the form at its most intimate level.

CHICAGO
CHOREOGRAPHED BY JAKARI SHERMAN
Chicago finds the rhythm in everyday situations. It is a percussive symphony using body percussion and up to 5 complex polyrhythms performed simultaneously in order to narrate a percussive dance “story.” 

Inspired by a summer spent in the Windy City, this ground-breaking work transforms the 100+ year old, folkloric tradition of stepping into contemporary performance art.

The Story of Step Afrika!

Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe and ranking as one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the U.S.

Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.

Step Afrika! promotes stepping as an educational tool for young people, focusing on teamwork, academic achievement and cross-cultural understanding. The Company reaches tens of thousands of Americans each year through a 50-city tour of colleges and theaters and performs globally as Washington, DC’s one and only Cultural Ambassador Step Afrika! has earned Mayor’s Arts Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education, Innovation in the Arts, Excellence in an Artistic Discipline, and was inducted into the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) Hall of Fame, the first Dance Company to earn this honor. Step Afrika! headlined President Barack Obama’s Black History Month Reception and performed at the first ever Juneteenth Celebration at the White House. The Company is featured prominently at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture with the 
world’s first stepping interactive exhibit.

Creative Team

C. BRIAN WILLIAMS (Founder and Executive Producer). C. Brian Williams is a native of Houston, Texas, and a graduate of Howard University. Brian first learned to step as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.-Beta Chapter, in the Spring of 1989. While living in Southern Africa, he began to research the percussive dance tradition of stepping, exploring the many sides of this exciting, yet under-recognized American art form, and founded Step Afrika! in 1994.Williams has performed, lectured, and taught in Europe, Central and South America, Africa, Asia,the Middle East, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States. He is the founder of the monumental Step Afrika! International Cultural Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa. Through Williams’ leadership,stepping has evolved into one of America’s newest cultural exports and inspired the designation of Step Afrika! as Washington, DC’s official “Cultural Ambassador.” Williams has been cited as a“civic/community visionary” by NV Magazine, a “nation builder” by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, and a “minority business leader” by the Washington Business Journal.C. Brian Williams is the recipient of numerous Artist Fellowships; the Distinguished Arts Award from the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts; the Pola Nirenska Award for Contemporary Achievement in Dance. He is also featured in Soul stepping, the first book to document the history of stepping. He also earned the 2008 Mayor’s Art Award for Innovation in the Arts and has led the company to multiple Metro DC Dance Awards for “Outstanding New Work,” “Excellence in Stage Design/Multimedia,” and “Outstanding Group Performance.” In 2018, Williams received the Mayor’s Arts Award for Visionary Leadership from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and in 2022he was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship from The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA).

LAMAR LOVELACE (Executive Director). At Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Lamar was Director of Cultural Affairs and Student Engagement, where he created arts-based social justice programs and exhibitions. He holds master’s degrees in Arts Management and Oral History from Carnegie Mellon and Columbia, respectively, and a BA in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Lovelace is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.In July 2017, Lamar joined Step Afrika! as Deputy Executive Director, where he oversaw the dance company’s communications and marketing strategy, fundraising efforts and financial operations.Previously, Lamar spent 8 years at Columbia University as Assistant Director in the Office of Community Outreach and Education and Director of Public Programs and Events. At the New York City-based campus, he managed community-based partnerships and special events and produced large-scale,humanities-based programming opportunities to engage students, faculty and staff.

MFONISO AKPAN (Artistic Director). Mfoniso Akpan has trained extensively in tap, ballet, jazz, modern, African dance, and step. While attending the State University of New York at Stony Brook, she majored in biochemistry and cultivated her stepping skills as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Mfon began her training at the Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, the Apollo Theater, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Lincoln Center. Mfon toured with the off-Broadway show Hoofin' 2 Hittin, where she was a featured stepper and dancer.

MARIANNE MEADOWS (Lighting Designer/Production Manager). Marianne is a member of United Scenic Artists local 829 with a BA from Sarah Lawrence College, MFA from the University of Washington with additional training at Lester Polakovs’ Studio and Forum of Stage Design, NYC.

Company Bios

ARIEL DYKES is a native of Gainesville, FL with an Associate of Arts Degree in Musical Theatre from Santa Fe College and a BFA in Dance from the University of Florida. Ariel was introduced to stepping and strolling as a member of the Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she choreographed step routines for the chapter and UF’s National Panhellenic Council. She has trained in traditional and post-modern dance, jazz, voice, and acting, and has worked with such artists as AileyDancers’ Nathaniel Hunt and Samantha Barriento, Tony Award winner Scott Coulter, and Galen Hooks.This is Ariel’s second season with the company.

KEOMI GIVENS JR.is a native of Miami FL where he trained with Ricardo Dume, Traci Young-Byron,Jakari Sherman, Conrad Kelly II, Tanisha Cidel, Maribel Trujillo, and Robert Battle. He has studied at the New World School of the Arts and The Mahogany Dance Theatre, where he served as a Rehearsal Director and choreographer. Keomi has danced with Gravity Dance Troupe and Toung Contemporary Dance Theatre (YCDT) and has previously toured nationally with Step Afrika! as a guest artist. In addition to his exceptional work as a dancer, Keomi has choreographed for the legendary 100 Of Florida A&M University, Ricky Danco, and Booker T Washington Lady Twisters. This is Keomi’s first season with the company as a full-time artist.

KAMALA HARGROVE is a native of the Bronx, NY, with a BA in Mathematics, Theater, and Dance from Trinity College. Kamala studied with the Alvin Ailey School and Dance Theater of Harlem, has appeared in various music videos and live performances. She has performed with artists including Estelle, Mr.Vegas, Wizkid, and French Montana. Kamala has also worked as a Teaching Artist in New York City,teaching elementary, middle, and high school students. This is Kamala’s second season with the company.

CONRAD R. KELLY II is a native of Fort Lauderdale, FL who studied Criminal Justice at Florida A&M University. Following his time with A&M’s Marching 100 and The Strikers, Conrad became a soloist for The Rolle Project in Las Vegas and a dance instructor with Studio 305, where he regularly taught classes in hip-hop, contemporary, and jazz. Conrad has won numerous awards as a choreographer and dancer,and is namely a two-time recipient of the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities’ prestigious Arts and Humanities Fellowship Program. A long-standing member of the company, Conrad serves as Step Afrika!’s Assistant Artistic Director and most recently choreographed of The Movement, an epic tribute to Black Lives Matter and the domino effect of activism experienced in 2020. This Conrad’s seventh season with the company.

ISAIAH O'CONNOR is a native of Miami, FL with a BS in Biology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. A student of hip-hop, modern, and urban soul, Isaiah has previously stepped with the Strikers Dance Troupe under the direction of Shepiro Hardemon. This is Isaiah’s second season with the company.

NA’IMAH RAY is a native of New York, NY with a BFA in Dance from Montclair State University. Na’imah performed as a Centennial Stepper with her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She has trained with Dwana Smallwood, Earl Mosley, Christian Von Howard,and Beatrice Capote, and participated in dance programs at The Ailey School and Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts. This is her second season with the Company.

ERICKA STILL is a native of St. Petersburg, FL with a BA in Health Science, Pre-Occupational Therapy, and Rehabilitation Management from Florida A&M University. Ericka previously stepped with AKAdemy Exquisite Gems and studied under the direction of Paulette W. Johnson and Shepiro Hardemon as a member and Co-Assistant Artistic Director of Mahogany Dance Theatre. This is Ericka’s second season with the company.

BRIE TURNER is a native of Lithonia, GA with a BA in Strategic, Legal, and Management Communications from Howard University. Magna cum laude graduate, Brie was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated’s Quintessential Alpha chapter where she served as the Chapter President and stroll mistress, in addition to serving as the co-captain and captain of the Howard University Bisonettes Dan Ensemble. This is Brie’s second season with the company.

JOSEPH VASQUEZ is a native of Guttenberg, NJ with a BS in Exercise Science from Rutgers University in New Brunswick where he served as a member of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity Incorporated.Joseph has led and choreographed for the Bachata Performance Team, and previously performed with The Revels, a stroll team led by Francisco Pozo and Carlos Zapata. This is Joseph’s second season with the Company.

PELHAM WARNER JR. is a native of The Bronx, NY and has a BA from Dutchess Community College.Pelham is a member of The Order of the Feather Fraternity where he served as the team’s Step Master and captain for five years, and has previously danced with The Players Club Steppers. Pelham has worked as a dance instructor in the greater New York City area, and recently performed in the a capella musical The Movementby KathyD. Harrison at The National Black Theater Festival. This is Pelham’s fifth year with the company.

ROBERT WARNSLEY is a native of Chicago, IL with a BS in Information Technology from Illinois State University. A member of the Eta Tau chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Robert served as the step and stroll master and has organized, competed in, and placed first in numerous step shows. He has taught stepping to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and actively participates in community service projects in the city of Chicago, teaching dance hall and various Afro styles in the DMV and NYC areas. This is Robert’s fifth season with the company.

Step Afrika! Administrative Team

C. Brian Williams
Founder & Executive Producer

Mfoniso Akpan
Artistic Director

Conrad R. Kelly II
Assistant Artistic Director

Artis Olds
Director of Arts Education & Community Programs

Stacy Burwell
Director, Administration & Special Projects

Margo Cunningham
Marketing Manager

Vanessa Hall
Company Manager

Dana Weinstein
Manager, Institutional Relations and Research

Marianne Meadows
Lighting Designer/Production Manager

About PSOC

CELEBRATING 70 YEARS | 1954-2024

Founded in 1954 as Orange County’s first music organization, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County presents national and international performances of the highest quality and provides dynamic and innovative music education programs for individuals of all ages to enhance the lives of Orange County audiences through music.            

For more 70 years the Philharmonic Society has evolved and grown with the county’s changing landscape, presenting artists and orchestras who set the standard for artistic achievement from Itzhak Perlman, Gustavo Dudamel, Yo-Yo Ma, and Renée Fleming to the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and many others. In addition, the Philharmonic Society celebrates multi-disciplinary performances under its Eclectic Orange brand and embraces music from a wide range of countries with its World Music performances. Its celebrated family concerts introduce children to classical music with creative and inspiring performances, instilling music appreciation for future generations.

The Philharmonic Society’s nationally recognized Youth Music Education Programs, offered free of charge, engage more than 100,000 students annually through curriculum-based music education programs that aim to inspire, expand imaginations, and encourage learning at all levels. These programs are made possible by the Committees of the Philharmonic Society comprised of 500 volunteer members who provide more than 90,000 hours of in-kind service each year.

As a key youth program, the exceptional Orange County Youth Symphony and String Ensemble provide top-tier training to the area’s most talented young musicians through multi-level ensemble instruction, leadership training, touring opportunities, challenging professional repertoire, and performances in world-class venues. The Philharmonic Society also promotes life-long learning by connecting with colleges and universities to conduct masterclasses and workshops and providing pre-concert lectures to introduce audiences to program selections.

PHONE       949.553.2422

ONLINE       philharmonicsociety.org

PSOC Board of Directors

OFFICERS

John Flemming, Chair/CEO *  

Donna L. Kendall, Deputy Board Chair *

Sabra Bordas, Vice Chair *  

Stephen Amendt, Secretary/Treasurer *

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John W. Benecke, Development Chair

Sabra Bordas, Nominating and Governance Chair *

Jim Brophy

Lauren Claus

Hung Fan, Laguna Beach Music Festival Chair

Jean Felder, Artistic & Marketing Chair

Margaret M. Gates

Kari Kerr, President, The Committees *

Douglas H. Smith, Member at Large *

Steven M. Sorenson, MD

Kathryn Wopschall

Sandi Wright-Cordes, Orange County

   Youth Symphony Chair

 

IN MEMORIAM

Douglas T. Burch, Jr.

Jane Grier

Wesley Kruse

* Executive Committee

PSOC Administrative Staff

PRESIDENT AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Tommy Phillips

 

ARTISTIC OPERATIONS

Emily Persinko, Artistic Operations Manager

Kathy Smith, Piano Technician

 

DEVELOPMENT

Mark Saville, Vice President of Development

Halim Kim, Senior Director of Development

Fatima Rizvi-Flores, Patron Stewardship Manager /

   Board Liaison

Nicole Gonzales, Special Events Manager

Paige Frank, Development Coordinator

 

EDUCATION

Katherine Yang, Vice President of Education

   and Community Engagement

Courtney McKinnon, Manager of Volunteer and Education Services

Jennifer Niedringhaus, Education and Engagement  

  Operations Manager

Chloe Hopper, Education Associate

Penny Arroyo, Huntington Harbour Office Manager

  and Finance Coordinator

 

FINANCE

Roan Alombro, Vice President of Finance

Fay Hu, Finance and HR Associate

 

MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Jean Hsu, COO / Vice President of Communications

Daniel Acosta, Director of Marketing

Marie Songco-Torres, Senior Marketing and PR Manager

Adaora Onyebeke, Marketing and PR Associate

 

PATRON SERVICES

Jonathan Mariott, Director of Patron Services

Angelica Nicolas, Marketing and Patron Services Manager

Randy Polevoi, Musical Concierge

 

ORANGE COUNTY YOUTH SYMPHONY

AND STRING ENSEMBLE

Johannes Müller Stosch, Music Director and OCYS Conductor

Lucy Lu, OCYSE Conductor & OCYS Strings Coach

Danielle Culhane, Operations and Personnel Manager

Hana Kurihara, Operations & Personnel Manager

PSOC Donors

The Philharmonic Society of Orange County gratefully acknowledges the following donors for their generous support of the Fund for Music during the past twelve months. These contributions make up the difference between the income generated from ticket sales and the actual cost of bringing the world’s finest orchestras, soloists and chamber ensembles to Orange County and inspiring 160,000 K-12 students each year with quality music programs. Gifts range from $60 to more than $100,000, and each member of the Philharmonic Society plays a valuable role in furthering the mission of this organization.

Youth Music Education Program Sponsors

Bluebird Legacy Inc.

The Crean Foundation

Chapman University

The Davisson Family Fund for Youth Music Education

The William Gillespie Foundation

Hearst Foundation

Thomas J. Madracki Memorial Endowment

Orange County Community Foundation

Pacific Life Foundation

U.S. Bank

Anonymous

 

Series Sponsors

Donna L. Kendall Foundation

Dr. and Mrs. Howard Jelinek/Jelinek Family Trust, Eclectic Orange Series

Henry T. and Elizabeth Segerstrom Foundation

 

Philharmonic Circle ($100,000+)

The Committees of the Philharmonic Society

Donna L. Kendall and the Donna L. Kendall Foundation

Dr. Howard Jelinek/Jelinek Family Trust

Philharmonic Foundation

Henry T. and Elizabeth Segerstrom Foundation

The Segerstrom Foundation

 

Maestro Circle ($50,000+)

Colburn Foundation

Hearst Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kohl

Mr. and Mrs. William F. Podlich

Gail and Robert Sebring

Ms. Dea Stanuszek

 

Chairman's Circle ($25,000+)

Bluebird Legacy, Inc.

The Crean Foundation

Sam B. and Lyndie Ersan

Valerie and Hans Imhof

The Isidore and Penny Myers Foundation

Lauren and Richard Packard

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas H. Smith

Steven M. Sorenson MD and J. Eric Shay

Al Spector and Tatjana Soli

U.S. Bank

     Mr. Stephen Amendt

 

 

President's Circle ($10,000+)

Sabra and Peter Bordas

Mr. James J. Brophy

City of Laguna Beach

Marjorie and Roger Davisson

The Dirk Family

Karen and Don Evarts

Hung Fan and Michael Feldman

Mrs. Jean Felder

Mrs. Joanne C. Fernbach

Mr. John D. Flemming and Mr. Mark Powell

Margaret M. Gates- in memory of family

Mr. Richard A. Goodman

Ms. Joan Halvajian

Maralou Harrington

Milli Hill

Carole Innes-Owens

Gary and Betsy Jenkins

Helen and Fritz Lin

Phillip N. and Mary A. Lyons

Elaine and Carl Neuss

Cheryl Hill Oakes

Mr. Patrick Paddon

Richard and Deborah Polonsky

Ellen and Vasily I. Semeniuta

Dr. Bob and Mao Shillman

Waters Edge Winery

Gayle Widyolar

 

Platinum Baton ($6,000+)

Suzanne and David Chonette

Frome Family Foundation

Marcia Kay and Ron Radelet

Barbara Roberts

Diane and Michael Stephens

Edward and Anna Yeung

 

Golden Baton ($3,000+)

Mr. and Mrs. James Alexiou

Diane and John Chimo Arnold

John W. Benecke and Lee Marino

Mr. Gary Capata

Carl and Kathy Greenwood

Jane and Joe Hanauer

Stephanie and Don Harrell

Ellen Pickler Harris and Ron Harris

Elizabeth Evans Henry

Ms. Elizabeth Jones

Vicki and Richard Lee

Marshall Fund for Dramatic Arts and Classical Music

Marlene and Chris Nielsen

Mr. John Nootbaar

Tommy and Julie Phillips

Christopher Quilter

Mr. and Mrs. James G. Reynolds

Mr. and Mrs. Philip E. Ridout

Ms. Harriet Roop

Samueli Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. David Seigle

Dr. Emmanuel Sharef

Dr. and Mrs. Henry Sobel

Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence S. Spitz

Richard and Elizabeth Steele Endowment Fund

Ms. Barbara Tanner

The William Gillespie Foundation

 

 

 

Silver Baton ($1,200+)

Dr. and Mrs. Daniel L. Abbott

Nancy Arnold

David and Frances Nitta Barnes

Leona Aronoff-Sadacca

Ms. Michelle Brenner

Mr. James Carter

Dr. and Mrs. David Casey

Dr. and Mrs. Shigeru Chino

Mr. and Mrs. Stewart A. Clark

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Clemmer

Crevier Family Foundation

Susan and Kevin Daly

Dr. Harvey Eisenberg

Dr. and Mrs. Sidney A. Field

Mr. and Mrs. Donald French

Petrina Friede

David Gartley

Dr. Anna Gonosova

Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Gordon

Teresa Gordon

Dr. Daniel E. Haspert and Mr. Gerard Curtin

Barbara and Don Howland

Anne Johnson

LaDonna Kienitz

Professor and Mrs. John Koshak

Cathy and David Krinsky

Hank and Bonnie Landsberg

Ms. Barbara Macgillivray

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Malcolm

Mrs. Linda Lipman Mandelbaum

Daniel and Kristy Melita

Pat Morgan

Richard and Dot Nelson

Leslie and Gus Ordonez

Michael and Meili Pinto

Susan Qaqundah

Les Redpath

Mr. and Mrs. Glen L. Reeves

Deborah and Robert Schlesinger          

Eva and Fred Schneider

Dr. Ellis Schwied

Igal and Diane Silber

Walter and Masami Stahr

Dr. Daniel and Jeule Stein

Edith Tonkon

Dr. and Mrs. Fritz C. Westerhout

Ms. Sally Westrom

 

 

Concerto ($600+)

Janet Lee Aengst

Richard Alexander

Beard Family Foundation

Lauren and Cor Claus

David and Victoria Collins

Peter Conlon and Deborah Shaw

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Delman

Michael DeVries

Walter C. Fidler

Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Fowler

Dr. and Mrs. Mark W. Gow

Barbara Hamkalo

Terry Hanna

Grace Holdaway

Kevin Huoh

Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Ivey

Dr. Nancy L. Kidder

Mr. Greg Kwan

Katsuhiko and Meiko Maeshige

Dr. Lani and Mr. David Martin

Mater Dei High School

Kelly and Susan McClellan

Mrs. Janine McMillion

Elizabeth Morse

Mrs. Gordon Niedringhaus

Mr. Keith Polakoff

Mr. and Mrs. John Prange

Deborah and Tom Rapport

Karyn Rashoff

Mrs. Vicki de Reynal

Suzanne Sandmeyer and Wes Hatfield

Carol Schwab

Ms. Barbara Sentell

Ann D. Stephens

John and Mary Karyl Thorne

Dr. and Mrs. Harvey S. Triebwasser

Edith and Thomas Van Huss

Kathryn and David Wopschall

 

Sonata ($300+)

Brien Amspoker and Ellen Breitman

Mr. and Mrs. Tony Bedi

Richard Bigelow

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Boice

Mr. Scott Brinkerhoff

Evelyn Brownstone

Mr. and Mrs. Tyke Camaras

Ross Conner and Emmett Carlson

Mr. and Mrs. Gustave S. Chabre

Mary E. Chelius

Mr. Randall K. Chun

Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Compton

Mr. Anthony Ede and Mrs. Louise Upham

Joan Fang

Reuben H. Fleet Foundation Fund

Cheryl Garland

Marvin Goecks, Jr.

Dr. Alan L. Goldin

Howard and Carol Hay

Marlene Hewitt

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Horgan

John and Julia Houten

Mr. Paul A. Schmidhauser and Ms. Cindy R. Hughes

Ms. Kathryn Hummel

Stanley and Mary W. Johnson Foundation

Mary and Stanley Johnson

Ms. Sumie Jossi

Mr. and Mrs. Eric M. Kadison

Kari Kerr

Dr. and Mrs. William P. Klein

Kent and Ami Kreutziger

Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. Kriz

Bruce Larson and Dinny Beringer

Dr. and Mrs. Gary C. Lawrence

Yueshii Lee

Sijie Ling

Elsie M. Little

Lisa Miller

Chris Reed and Pat O'Brien

Dr. Kevin O'Grady and Mrs. Nella Webster O'Grady

Mary and Lee Olsen

Mr. Richard Parslow

Sidney and Nancy Petersen

Lucinda Prewitt

Coralie Prince

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rose

Herbert and Joyce Rosenblum

Deborah and Frank Rugani

Mrs. Kathleen Sangster

Ms. Suzanne Schaumburg

Pamela Sefton

Dr. James Shelburne

Nick and Donna Shubin

Mrs. Karen Smith

Mr. and Mrs. John Stevens

Diane Stovall

Dr. Agnes Szekeres

Ms. Carole Uhlaner and Mr. D Brownstone

Mike Tompkins and Lynn Weiser

Ivy Yan

 

Honorary Life Members

Frieda Belinfante, in memoriam

Jane K. Grier

John M. Rau

List current as of 12/12/2023

The Philharmonic Society deeply appreciates the support of its sponsors and donors, and makes every effort to ensure accurate and appropriate recognition. Contact the Development Department at (949) 553-2422, ext. 233, to make us aware of any error or omission in the foregoing list.

 

SECURING THE FUTURE

The Philharmonic Society’s Forward campaign is the first of its kind in the organization’s history. It will grow the Society’s endowment—providing greater opportunities for the presentation of the world’s leading orchestras and other musical performances while expanding our educational and community outreach—and also establish a current needs fund for organizational sustainability and flexibility. We are proud to recognize those who are helping secure the Society’s future with a gift to the Philharmonic Forward Campaign. We are grateful for their support, which will help fuel the Society’s growth and provide a legacy of incomparable music and superb music education programs in perpetuity.

 

Donna L. Kendall and Douglas H. Smith

Co-Chairs

 

DONORS TO THE PHILHARMONIC FORWARD CAMPAIGN

$1,000,000+

Mr. James J. Brophy

Donna L. Kendall and the Donna L. Kendall Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sebring

Anonymous

 

$500,000+

Richard Cullen and Robert Finnerty

James and Judy Freimuth

 

$250,000+

The Davisson Family Fund for

   Youth Music Education

Margaret M. Gates—In memory

   of family

Mr. and Mrs.* Milton S. Grier, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas H. Smith

 

$100,000+

Pete and Sabra Bordas

David and Suzanne Chonette

Karen and Don Evarts

Milli and Jim* Hill

Marlene and Chris Nielsen

Richard and Deborah Polonsky

Diane and Michael Stephens

Anonymous

 

$50,000+

Mr. Douglas T. Burch, Jr.*

Dr. Richard D. and France Campbell

Erika E. Faust*

Mrs. Joanne C. Fernbach

Joan Halvajian

Elaine and Carl Neuss

Marcia Kay Radelet

Mr. and Mrs. Philip E. Ridout

Ms. Dea Stanuszek

Dr. Daniel and Jeule Stein

 

$25,000+

Douglas Burch Classical Programs Fund

Mr. William P. Conlin* and Mrs. Laila Conlin

Mr. and Mrs. Donald French 

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Fuerbringer

Mr. and Mrs. Noel Hamilton

Dr. and Mrs. Chase* Roh

 

Up to $24,999

Eleanor and Jim* Anderson

John W. Benecke

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Burra

Ana and Ron Dufault

Hung Fan and Michael Feldman

First American Trust

   Kimberly Dwan Bernatz

Mr. John D. Flemming and Mr. Mark Powell

Duke Funderburke

Carolyn and John Garrett

Karin Easter Gurwell

Maralou and Jerry M.* Harrington

Mrs. Alice E. Hood

Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee - Marina Windjammer Group

Kevin and Judith Ivey

Ms. Lula Belle Jenkins

Doris and Jim Kollias

Mrs. Elizabeth C. Kramer

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lewis

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Madracki

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Mastrangelo

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Michel

Charles Mosmann

Carl Neisser*

Joan Rehnborg

Dr. and Mrs. Henry Sobel

Dr. and Mrs. Julio Taleisnik

Marti and Walter Unger

Gayle Widyolar, M.D.

Sandi Wright-Cordes

U.S. Bank

Anonymous

 

*Deceased

 

ESTERHAZY PATRONS

The Philharmonic Society is proud to recognize our dedicated patrons who have made a multi-year Esterhazy Patron pledge. We are grateful for their support, which has been largely responsible for enabling us to present the world’s most acclaimed symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles and soloists.

Mr. and Mrs. James Alexiou

Mr. and Mrs. Darrel Anderson

A. Gary Anderson Family Foundation

Mr. Gary N. Babick

Ms. Tricia Babick

Mrs. Linda Beimfohr

Mr. and Mrs. John Carson

Cheng Family Foundation

Mrs. William P. Conlin

Mr. Warren G. Coy

Marjorie and Roger Davisson

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Delman

The Dirk Family

Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Duma

Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Emery

Catherine Emmi

Sam and Lyndie Ersan

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Freedland

Margaret M. Gates—In memory of family

Mr. Milton S. Grier, Jr.

Maralou Harrington

Dr. Howard J. Jelinek

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Chapin Johnson

Dr. Siret Jurison

Donna L. Kendall Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Venelin Khristov

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Kirwan

Capt. Steve Lutz and Shala Shashani Lutz

Professor Robert and Dr. Adeline Yen Mah

Mrs. Sharon McNalley

Dr. Vahe Meghrouni

Mrs. Michael D. Nadler

Elaine and Carl Neuss

Mr. Thomas Nielsen

Milena and Milan Panic

Helen Reinsch

Barbara Roberts

Mrs. Michelle Rohé

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen L. Salyer

Elizabeth Segerstrom

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas H. Smith

Mrs. Elaine Weinberg

Mr. and Mrs. George Wentworth

Bobbitt and Bill Williams

Anonymous   

 

LEGACY CIRCLE MEMBERS

Mr. and Mrs. James Alexiou

Dr. and Mrs. Julio Aljure

Diane and John Chimo Arnold

Estate of Edra E. Brophy*

Mr. James J. Brophy

Mr. Douglas T. Burch, Jr.*

Mr. William P. Conlin* and

   Mrs. Laila Conlin

Pamela Courtial*

Mr. Warren G. Coy

Richard Cullen and Robert Finnerty

Mr. Ben Dolson*

Camille and Eric Durand Trust*

Karen and Don Evarts

Erika E. Faust*

James and Judy Freimuth

Ms. Carol Frobish*

The William Gillespie Foundation*

Mr. and Mrs.* Milton S. Grier, Jr.

Mr. Edward Halvajian*

Ms. Joan Halvajian

Ms. Marie Hiebsch*

Mildred and James* Hill

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Hull*

Mr. Leonard Jaffe

Judith* and Howard Jelinek

Dr. Burton L. Karson

Donna L. Kendall

Hank and Bonnie Landsberg

Mrs. Carla Liggett

Dr. William Lycette

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Michel

Mr. and Mrs. Bart Morrow

Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Nadler*

Eva Cebulski Olivier

Mrs. Frank M. Posch*

Marcia Kay Radelet

Marjorie Rawlins*

Mrs. Ladislaw Reday*

Elaine M. Redfield*

Mr. Richard M. Reinsch*

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen L. Salyer

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sebring

Mr. H. Russell Smith*

Al Spector and Tatjana Soli

Ms. Dea Stanuszek

Diane and Michael Stephens

Vas Nunes Family Trust*

Betty M. Williams*

Anonymous

 

*Deceased

 

Bold type indicates gifts of $50,000 or more.

 

Please call the Philharmonic Society Development Department if you have included either the Philharmonic Society or the separate Philharmonic Foundation in your will or trust so that we may honor you as a member of the Legacy Circle. For more information, call (949) 553-2422, ext. 202 or visit: www.PhilharmonicSociety.org/SupportUs and click on Planned Giving.