The International Committee of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association honored Mexico at its annual gala benefit ball on May 15 at the prestigious Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. The 59th International Night Benefit Ball celebrated the 2010 Bicentennial Anniversary of Mexican Independence under the banner ALMA de MEXICO – Gala del Bicentenario.

 

Shining the spotlight on the rich cultural traditions and spirit of Mexico, the gala affair featured a cocktail reception, followed by a silent auction, gourmet dinner, an elaborate cultural program, live auction and dancing.

Honorary patron of the event, Juan Marcos Gutiérrez-González, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, worked in close collaboration with LA Philharmonic’s Daniel Catán, to present a very special musical program designed to showcase the rich and diverse culture of Mexico and high quality of works by Mexican composers.

 

The talented Conjunto Hueyapan, Trio America and LA Opera’s José Adan Pérez entertained the over 350 in attendance.

A much-anticipated highlight of the evening was the formal ceremonial presentation of the US Military Color Guard, followed by the introduction of the esteemed Los Angeles Consular Corps officers and their spouses as they entered the Grand Ballroom of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Joining Consul General of Mexico Juan Marcos Gutiérrez-González and his wife Alejandra Garza de Gutiérrez were Consul Generals and Honorary Consul Generals and their spouses from Argentina, Armenia, Ireland, Israel, Liberia, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Turkey and Uruguay.

First Vice President and former President of the ICLAPA, Aida Gaona, served as Ball Chair. Second Vice President and former President of the ICLAPA, Rabab Ashley as Benefit Chair and oversaw the gala’s silent auction.

Founded in 1951, the International Committee of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association is an affiliate of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, dedicated to building bridges between cultures by focusing on music as a language of harmony and understanding. Each year, the Committee selects a different country to be featured, inspiring goodwill between countries through the universal voice of music. The Committee’s annual international ball, honoring its Consular Corps members, raises funds to support the Los Angeles Philharmonic and provides sponsorship to children and their families, allowing them to attend the world-class concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall.