iPalpiti Semi-Annual Newsletter
Opus #23
Dear Friends,
On the wings of our 12th festival, with many of the stories saved for the memoirs of the future, here comes the "overview" for those who missed it and "mementos" for those who did not.
The artists arrived from all corners of the globe from where they were expected to arrive, and lived in luxury at Hotel Le Petit - largely due to the generosity of the Brothers Ashkenazy (Stefan and Adrian), co-sponsoring five-star all-suite accommodations on a scale affordable to iPalpiti.
For two weeks, from August 11-23, days were filled with practice, concerts, and events. In-residence in the City of Beverly Hills since 1998, this summer most rehearsals took place at the Greystone Mansion. We are grateful to the fabulous staff of the Art & Culture Department; the Rangers led by Steven Clark, took pride inhosting iPalpiti, and provided much needed support, accommodating schedule and practice requirements.
This Festival's theme was celebrating the bi-centennial birthday of Mendelssohn; concerts began and ended with Mendelssohn's string Octet (at UCLA and LACMA respectively), centered with both Mendelssohn trios, and culminating with his Double Concerto for violin, piano, and orchestra at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Much as the Festival is about music-making, showcasing the talents and results of the Maestro's work with them, iPalpiti artists are "pros" when it comes to entertaining themselves: from a relaxed night at Pi on Sunset, where all broke loose with belly-dancing, initiated and superbly led by violinist DenizToygur fromTurkey, to a spontaneous practice-turned- performances at Le Petit, to finding the time in between to get to the beach.
We were blessed by the generosity of local restaurateurs who gave iPalpiti the taste of the LA night scene (along with great California food):We thank again MazYaghoubian, owner of NUMBERS Restaurant, Mike Malin, partner of the Dolce Group - this summer iPalpiti experienced Ketchup (last year-Geisha House), Khalid of Pi on Sunset provided lunch and dinner, Carneys on Sunset, Astroburger, & O!Burger.
We would like to THANK hugely our volunteers, without whom it would be nearly impossible to conduct the festival from beginning to end: meeting artists at the airport/taking them back, ushering during concerts and meals, hosting individual piano practice, driving for special individual practice accommodations, and much more more more.
AND - to our Chairman and the Board of Directors,THIS FESTIVAL COULD NOT HAPPEN WITHOUT YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!
Laura Schmieder, Director