For twelve years now,
the Restoration Concerts Committee of the Friends of the Library
has been bringing world-class music to South Pasadena. The
Sunday afternoon concerts, frequently featuring internationally-known
and award-winning musicians, attract music lovers from throughout
the Los Angeles area and beyond, while requests are regularly
received from performers wishing to participate in the series.
This year, the New Hollywood String Quartet has joined the
series as Quartet in Residence.
Proceeds from the
Restoration Concerts are dedicated to the ongoing enhancement
of the historic Community Room where the concerts are staged.
Improvements to date have included new carpeting and chairs.
A recent special project enabled the purchase, thanks to support
from individuals, grants, local organizations and businesses,
of a 9' Steinway concert grand piano.
All of the administrative,
fundraising, artist relations, community outreach and other
tasks involved in presenting the concert series are carried
out on a voluntary basis. Committee membership has changed
somewhat over the years but several of the original members
are still actively involved, including co-chairs Kathy
Folsom and Kay Rosser.
Laurie Astle
has handled the committee's graphic needs, such as programs
and flyers, since 2003. She and her husband Scott have lived
in South Pasadena since 1983 and raised their four children
here. Laurie says they appreciate the community's cultural
richness and diversity.
Shireen Chang,
who with her husband John and their family have been South
Pasadena residents for 24 years, has recently taken on the
duties of Restoration Concerts treasurer. Shireen loves South
Pasadena and is an active and tireless volunteer with the
schools, the library and the community as a whole.
Ann Erler,
a resident of Eagle Rock, has been attending Restoration Concerts
since 2001 and became a member of the committee after her
retirement from Delta Airlines in 2004. Ann says she enjoys
every aspect of helping plan for the concerts and meeting
the musicians and concert patrons.
Janet Ervin,
who with her family has lived in and appreciated South Pasadena
since 1973, is in her second year as a committee member. A
fomer member of the Beverly Hills Youth Symphony, she considers
it an honor and a pleasure to help in bringing outstanding
musical performances to our community.
Connie Flanders
has been a South Pasadena resident for 34 years. Connie has
been a committee member for ten years and says she truly enjoys
her participation. Her husband John has recently undertaken
the printing of the concert programs.
Kathy Folsom,
committee co-chair, is responsible for finding and working
with the musicians who play in the Restoration Concerts. A
South Pasadena native, Kathy says music has always been a
big part of her life and she and her husband Ron enjoy sharing
their love of music with our community.
Kay Rosser,
committee co-chair, is responsible for the group's administrative
and fundraising activities. An inveterate volunteer for more
than 30 years, Kay has contributed her talents to the American
Red Cross and Plaza de la Raza in East Los Angeles, as well
as to our local schools and library. She was recently honored
by the Bank of America for her volunteerism. Kay is an avid
skier and golfer and studies Tai Chi, but says the Arts have
a special place in her heart.
Yvonne Voisin,
another member of the original committee, handles newspaper
and media relations for the concerts. She is also publicity
chair for the Friends of the Library and the Friends' Bookstore.
She and her family have lived in South Pasadena since 1969.
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