The Gift of Culture
Bram Goldsmith, chair of City National Corporation, and his wife, Elaine, long-time supporter of the arts, donated $5 million to the future Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, with the result that a 500-seat theater will become the Goldsmith Theater.
Bram Goldsmith has been chairman of the center’s foundation since its inception and a driving force for the center, located in the historic Beverly Hills Post Office at Crescent Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard.
“We are delighted to help create a magnificent theater and performing arts center which will enhance the worldwide renown of Beverly Hills,” Goldsmith said. ” It will give our residents and the residents of Los Angeles the opportunity to concurrently dine and shop in Beverly Hills and enjoy fine theatre in our community.”
Designed by the Performing Arts Center’s award-winning architect, Zoltan Pali of SPF: architects, the Goldsmith Theater will incorporate 500 seats in an elegant and intimate contemporary venue. Featuring state-of-the-art adaptable acoustics, lighting and stage equipment, it will present theater, dance, music, opera and professional children’s theater.
Beverly Hills Mayor Steve Webb praised the couple for their generosity saying, “Elaine and Bram Goldsmith are unquestionably one of L.A.’s most dedicated and philanthropic couples. We are especially proud that they call Beverly Hills home.”
Goldsmith has served as president of the Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles; chaired the Los Angeles United Jewish Fund Campaign and the United Jewish Appeal; and has served on the boards of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, The National Conference of Christians and Jews, the United Way and the Weizmann Institute of Science. Elaine Goldsmith is a long-time member of the Board of Governors of Otis College of Art and Design and former Chairman. She has also served on the Los Angeles Art Museum Council as well as the United Jewish Welfare Fund.
Music in the Air
The Ford Amphitheatre was packed July 9 when the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony (LAJS) presented an evening of Israeli composers. The crowd noshed on picnic goodies and soaked in the starry evening as Israel’s Consul General Ehud Danoch welcomed the crowd from the stage prior to the performance. Hannah Drew, daughter of LAJS Founder/Conductor Noreen Green and her husband, Ian Drew, led the singing of “Hatikvah.” Also in attendance was Israeli composer Hadas Goldschmidt-Halfon, whose “Knock on Wood” concerto for marimba, percussion and chamber orchestra had its North American premiere that evening. The piece was written for Chen Zimbalista, whose performance brought down the house. Israeli French horn soloist Alon Reuven also performed.
Sounds of Salsa
On July 20, Vista Del Mar’s Presidents Club hosted a “Salsa Under the Stars” networking cocktail reception complete with salsa dancing, sizzling Latin rhythms and an opportunity to learn how to positively impact the lives of Vista’s troubled children.
Members of the Presidents Club have the opportunity to spend quality time with the children of Vista Del Mar’s Residential Treatment program through monthly sporting events and dinners. Monies raised allow the Presidents Club to sponsor activities, special outings, exposure to vocational and career opportunities, and funding for scholarships.
Founded nearly a century ago in Los Angeles, Vista Del Mar has been providing residential and community-based mental health services to more than 5,500 troubled children annually. For more information, call (310) 836-1223 ext. 238.
