Boston Landmarks Orchestra Celebrates With A Virtual Gala

Boston Landmarks Orchestra hosts a virtual gala on October 14, 2020! The gala is in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Landmarks Orchestra, founded by Charles Ansbacher, and also pays tribute to Christopher Wilkins in his 10th year as the current Music Director.

The gala is free and open to the public, and is hosted by Board of Advisors member Emmett G. Price III. It opens with an inspiring live trumpet fanfare and live remarks by Music Director Christopher Wilkins at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell, the longtime summer home venue of the Orchestra. Musical performances and a live auction follow.

Community partnerships and presenting free orchestral music to Bostonians is at the heart of Landmarks Orchestra’s mission. All proceeds from the gala go towards making Landmarks Orchestra performances free for all who attend, and help support our community engagement programs in communities such as Everett, Malden, and Chelsea.

Auction items include:

• “The Maestro Speaks at Your Home” - Have you ever wondered why certain pieces of music are so powerful and so famous? Why is Beethoven’s 9th Symphony such a masterpiece? Why was Stravinsky so revolutionary? Who are the great composers we may not have heard of, and why are they neglected? If you have wondered about any of these questions, this auction item is your chance to find out, right in your own home! Maestro Christopher Wilkins will come to your home and present one of his acclaimed talks for you and your guests, complete with musical illustrations using recordings and played by the Maestro at the piano. A lively question and answer session will follow. You can make this part of a cocktail party, family gathering, summer barbecue, or any occasion you would like.
  
  
• “Music by the Sea with the Maestro and Friends” - Our acclaimed wind quintet will serenade and entertain you, as you enjoy stunning views of Ipswich Bay at the home of John and Holly Perry in beautiful Annisquam, Massachusetts, just an hour north of Boston. The Perry porch—with a 180 degree view of the sea—will be the setting for unforgettable music, conversation, food, and drinks. The winning bidder may include a total of 8 guests, who will be hosted by 6-8 members of the Perry family, including Rachel Perry and her partner, our very own Maestro Christopher Wilkins. Chris and Rachel will even cook some light hors d'oeuvres for you and your guests! The Maestro and musicians will also give a brief talk about the wind instruments, and the music you will be hearing.

• “A Piece Written Just for You or a Loved One” - Have you ever wanted to ask a composer to write a special piece for a special occasion—maybe for an anniversary, a wedding, or as a birthday gift to a loved one? Or maybe just for the fun of it? Now is your chance! Celebrated Boston composer Francine Trester, Professor of Composition at Berklee College of music, will compose a 3-4 minute piece for 2-4 instruments, to be premiered by Landmarks players at the occasion of your choice. She could even set a favorite poem or text to music, to be sung by a professional singer.

For more information, or to RSVP for the gala, visit: https://www.landmarksorchestra.org/2020-gala/