Join us for a whirlwind musical tour. We offer a terrific opportunity to enjoy inimitable programs in any setting you like: from unique private concert at the Greystone Mansion to Gala Concert at Royce Hall, from intimate & affordable setting in Municipal Gallery to free concerts at Bing Theatre.

In February, Beverly Hills City Council voted to host our International Laureates Festival. This is a natural transition, being in residence in Beverly Hills since the Festival's inception in 1998, especially that new and exciting venues are opened in the City and we have developed a strong following from the residents who host our musicians during the Festival, so - see the schedule and locations.

We just released a video documentary, and all who had a chance to preview it, left with an emotional and memorable impact. If you wish to order a copy, please call us or email.

News from Artists

Stanislaw Drzewiecki, our soloist with I PALPITI last summer, had a triumphant debut at the Carnegie Hall on January 26, and continues his budding career with profusion throughout Europe.

Adolfo Gutierrez Arenas is releasing his new CD, performing solo with virtually every significant orchestra throughout Spain, as well as teaching in a Madrid Conservatory. He will be back in LA in November with fellow Spaniard gifted pianist Daniel Delpino, presented by Sundays At Two Recital Series with the cooperation of Consul General of Spain José Luis Dicenta.

Alexandru Tomescu is invited to be a member of the jury in the Sarasate International Competition in Spain, youngest ever to receive such honor. He is named a State Soloist of Romania, performing with National Radio Symphony and recording 4 CD annually. He returns to Cerritos Center of Performing Arts for a recital on November 17.

LaTonia Moore is taken on two leading roles in Dresden and Houston operas, and will be featured in ElleGirl magazine.

Marianna Racz was selected for chamber series "The choice of Bernard Haitink" personally by Maestro himself, where she will perform both as violinist and flautist in most famous halls of Holland. She is also invited to play with National Orchestra in Hungary this season.

Robert Ashworth moved to New Zealand to play with Auckland Philarmonia. Here is an excerpt from his message to me of January 2003, "… The last few years have been wonderful learning experiences for me. I have learnt not only about music and the viola, but about myself and how it is possible for me to interact with people from different cultures and upbringings. For this I am indebted to you, Dr. Schmieder, and the entire I PALPITI organization."

We are very pleased with continuing reports from our artists on their successes, new positions and achievements.

Benefactors Concert Series presented number of exciting artists and events.

We thank our generous hosts and sponsors:

Benefactors Series subscription for the Fall 2003-Spring 2004 will be announced in our Opus 11 post-Festival letter.

Welcome:

Angel Romero - joined our distinguished panel of Artistic Advisors. He will perform solo with orchestra at Royce Hall on July 31, an opening concert of the Festival.

Helma Christiane Bloomberg - joined Advisory Board as International & Community Liaison with the City of Beverly Hills,

Sandy Krauss & Bill Fitzgerald, Diana & Krystian Ellis, Delores & Roger Berg - new Benefactors.

Announcements:

Leo Frankel Memorial Award Fund established:

Two Benefactors concerts were dedicated to Leo Frankel, YAI's founding board member. On April 3 and 5, at the Sotheby's and Northern Trust Bank respectively, Alexandru Tomescu was the featured artist, and Nathan -Leo's son and YAI's youngest board member - held his ground performing with Alexandru a virtuosic Navarra for two violins. Both events were emotional for all present and all proceeds went toward establishment of the Award Fund.

We thank all Friends and Members who participated in the Tribute to Leo Frankel and will report annually on the recipients of the Award.

It is our aspiration that through this fund the legacy of Leo's love for music will continue to support the most outstanding and deserving young artists of this generation.

Lloyd Rigler Foundation Challenge Grant update:
In January we sent an announcement of Mr. Rigler's grant of $20,000 on 3:1 basis with a purpose to broaden YAI's membership in the $10 -$1,000 range from either (1) new contributors or (2) an increase in the annual contribution previously received. The deadline approaching, we are $37,000 away. Now is a perfect time to support Festival, Jerusalem Symphony, a concert of your choice, an artist and help us to meet the challenge. PLEASE SEND YOUR CHECK WITHOUT DELAY and you will be rewarded many times over for your generosity.

Pre-festival Volunteer Meetings:
June 1 & July 6 - 12 p.m. Meeting Room, Beverly Hills Library
Lunch provided. Please RSVP:310.281.3303

Following the meeting on June 1st, all invited to attend Timo-Veikko Valve concert at 2 p.m. in the Auditorium.

Much preparation and help is needed for the opening Gala at Royce Hall on July 31. If you want to join Planning Committee, please call Event Chair Elliot Matloff: 310.858.5970.