Westlake resident wins symphony award
Provided leadership for five years

Rick Newberger

Rick Newberger of Westlake Village, New West Symphony's retiring board president, will receive the organization's first Virtuoso Award for his efforts on behalf of the symphony during his five-year term. The award will be give at the symphony's "For the Kids Gala," Sat., June 9 at the Regency Club in Los Angeles.

During Newberger's term as president, the New West Symphony Concert series was created at the Wadsworth Theatre in Brentwood; the symphony performed with internationally renowned artists; and the organization underwent a restructuring.

Actors Tom Hanks, Melanie Griffith, Renee Russo and Antonio Banderas have signed painted violins as a gesture of support for the New West Symphony and its education programs for youth. All of the instruments were hand painted and donated by local artists, including musician Herb Alpert, and will be featured items in the live auction.

"Swan Lake," "The Firebird" and "The Four Seasons" are some of the stories represented in the designs.

Janet Tsuei, artist, said, "'The Four Seasons' violin is a painted interpretation of Vivaldi's series of concertos. I wanted to use expressive colors to show the intensity of 'The Four Seasons.' The branches that wrap around the violin indicate how music captivates you and takes you to a new and imaginary world."

To view the pre-bid auction catalogue, go online to www.NewWestAuction.com.

Funds raised at the gala will be used for the New West Symphony and its education programs for children.

Individual tickets are $250. Dress code is black tie optional.

For information, call (310) 694-3550 or visit the website www.NewWestSymphony.org.