Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra of California
Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra of California is one of the oldest and most distinctive young people's symphony orchestras in the United States. It was founded in Los Angeles, California on January 22, 1937 by its conductor, Dr. Ernst Katz (1914-2009). The Jr. Philharmonic enjoys the distinction of being the only orchestra in the world with its original conductor on the podium for over 69 years. The Jr. Philharmonic is a non-commercial venture.
From its inception, it has been a family-run orchestra. Katz and his sister, Silvia Greene (née Katz), were the initial managers of the orchestra. Later, Katz's niece and nephews took on managerial responsibilities; his great-nieces have also taken on significant roles in the operations of the orchestra.
Motto and mission
Dr. Katz, a piano prodigy, founded his youth orchestra in East Los Angeles in 1937. Throughout his life, spread his philosophy and motto, “Give Youth A Chance To Be Heard,” to more than 70,000 young people.
69th Anniversary and the Mayor's "Good Luck Candle"
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa lit a piece of Los Angeles’ history at the Jr. Phil’s 69th Anniversary Concert Spectacular on April 26, 2006 when he lit the orchestra’s “Mayor’s Good Luck Candle,” presented to founder-conductor Ernst Katz and his young people’s orchestra by the citizens of Olvera Street in 1947. First lit by Los Angeles Mayor Fletcher Bowren at the orchestra’s 10th Anniversary, the candle symbolizes the important connection between the city of Los Angeles and youth in music as fostered by Katz.
70th Anniversary
The Jr. Phil’s 70th anniversary was celebrated with a Platinum Concert Spectacular on June 10, 2007 at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. The sponsor was Smith Barney. The concert highlighted the Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra with myriad composers, musicians, celebrities, plus an all-alumni orchestra. At the event, Katz's great-niece, Victoria Gordon, became the youngest-ever soloist at Walt Disney Concert Hall.[1]
75th Anniversary
The LA Junior Philharmonic celebrated its 75th Anniversary on June 6, 2012. This concert, which took place several years after the death of Dr. Katz, featured another alumni orchestra, led by Katz's nephew. Following the concert, the orchestra went on hiatus, with the intent to return for another alumni event at the next major anniversary.
Current Status
There was no alumni concert for the orchestra's 80th anniversary in 2017. However, the family's orchestral tradition continues, as Katz's nephew, Gary S. Greene, is the conductor of another Los Angeles-area orchestra, the LA Lawyers Philharmonic. His daughter is its Executive Director and his sister, Lori Greene Gordon, is the orchestra's harpist.
Celebrity and Composer participation
Over the years a wide array of famous celebrities and iconic composers of both film and stage have participated in the Jr. Phil's gala events including: Meredith Willson, Richard Pryor, Richard Sherman, Robert Sherman and the bassist from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michael "Flea" Balzary (who is also an alum of the orchestra) to name only a few.