> ■ • ?, ? ' j Ul i i Li: i\I FOR PLAi v/L’Vi: NT ON NEXT W RtGULAR COUNCIL AGENDA TO BE POSTED #51 ’ RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the University of Southern Thornton School of Music and the Philharmonic, in partnership with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, will be presenting the Second Quadrennial Piatigorsky International Festival from May 13th through May 22, 2016; and

WHEREAS, the Festival is named in honor of cellist Gregor Piatigorsky, who is considered one of the greatest musicians of all time, and who heralded a period of incredible vibrancy in the cultural life of Los Angeles when he settled in the city for the final years of his legendary international career, teaching at USC until his death in 1976; and

WHEREAS, widely acclaimed cellist Ralph Kirshbaum, the holder of the Gregor Piatigorky Chair in Violoncello at the USC Thornton School of Music, serves as the Artistic Director of the Festival; and

WHEREAS, this Festival will bring together masters of the cello and young cellists from around the world to Los Angeles for a unique 10-day celebration of the cello, its music and its musicians, including orchestral concerts, performances, master classes and interactive events; and

WHEREAS, the Festival's roster includes some of the world's most celebrated cellists—Yo Yo Ma, , Jean-Guihen Queyras, Ronald Leonard, Frans Helmerson, David Geringas, Giovanni Sollima, Thomas Demenga, and Truls Mprk, among others; and

WHEREAS, an ensemble of over 100 cellists, including professionals and advanced students from all over Los Angeles will perform in a special concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall; and

WHEREAS, the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival will welcome visiting students from Europe, China, and Australia who will join young cellists from American universities and conservatories for master classes and performances throughout the Festival; and

WHEREAS, four of Piatigorsky's outstanding former students, Laurence Lesser, Mischa Maisky, Jeffrey Solow, and , moderated by KUSC Producer Gail Eichenthal, will be appearing on May 21 at Alfred Newman Recital Hall to celebrate Piatigorsky's life and teaching through film and discussion;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that by the adoption of this Resolution the Los Angeles City Council declares the period of May 13, 2016 through May 22, 2016 as Piatigorsky International Cello Festival Week in the City of Los Angeles, in recognition of this world-class event and encourages all Angelenos to enthusiastically celebrate and support the convergence of talent and experience offered at the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival.

/ / PRESENTED BY (/ a CURREN D. PRICE, Jr. m 2 2jgu ncil n, 9th District

SECONDED BY