Concert at Davies Symphony Hall to Benefit Musicians Affected by LA Wildfires

The wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles burned for four weeks, but Angelenos will spend far longer rebuilding their livelihoods and homes. Clearing toxic ash, assessing damage and dealing with insurance all take an immense amount of time and energy, as does maintaining access to necessities like clean water, shelter and clothing.

For musicians, getting back to work comes with the additional costly challenge of replacing instruments, cases, mouthpieces, reeds and bows, among other music-related essentials.

To raise funds for musicians affected by the wildfires, a benefit concert will being held on Saturday, March 8, at Davies Symphony Hall. Presented by the San Francisco Symphony, Musicians of the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, the benefit’s proceeds will be split evenly between two vital organizations: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles’ ReBUILD LA campaign and the Entertainment Community Fund.

Both organizations offer critical services to wildfire survivors; the ReBUILD LA campaign helps wildfire survivors relocate and provides essential goods, while the Entertainment Community Fund’s emergency financial assistance funds go toward providing health care and covering other basic living expenses.

The concert, featuring pianist Garrick Ohlsson and conducted by Edwin Outwater, will feature Aaron Copland’s “The Promise of Living” (from The Tender Land), Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony. Special guest soloists include mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz and tenor Christopher Oglesby. Ticket prices for the event range between $50 and $200; donations of all amounts will be accepted.

‘SF Musicians for LA: A Benefit for Fire Relief’ takes place Saturday, March 8, at Davies Symphony Hall. Details here.