75th Anniversary at MA

There was recently a luxe event under the stars for the Music Academy’s (MA) 75th Anniversary Signature Benefit, complete with a red carpet. It’s always amazing how the committee magically transforms the parking lot into an elegant theater and dining room, along with a couple of grand pianos. The three people who headed up that group and waved their magic wands were Michele Brustin, Kandy Luria–Budgor, and Val Montgomery.

Metropolitan opera star and Music Academy alumna Sasha Cooke replaced Isabel Leonard and collaborated with alumna pianist Nino Sanikidze for part of the concert. She is a two-time Grammy Award-wining mezzo-soprano and has been called a “luminous standout” by The New York Times and “equal parts poise, radiance, and elegant directness” by Opera News. She has sung at the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, English National Opera, and the list goes on, including singing with over 70 symphony orchestras worldwide.

Sasha attended the Music Academy as a fellow in 2002. “Marilyn Horne was one of the first singers I discovered who drew me to pursue singing. On a human level, I have always been inspired by her devotion to young singers and nurturing talent. I am forever grateful to her and to the Music Academy.”

As president and CEO of the Academy Scott Reed says, “Marilyn’s world-renowned career is an inspiration to our fellows.”

Miraflores, the stunning 10-acre garden estate that has been home to the Music Academy since 1951, was originally the site of the Santa Barbara Country Club. The main building wasn’t a home, it was the clubhouse. The nine-hole golf course soon became too small and the 23-acre site too little for expansion. The Country Club decided to move to its present site, which is now the Montecito Club.

In 1915, the John Jeffersons bought the former country club and named it Miraflores (Spanish for “Look at the Flowers”) and converted it to a dwelling. Miraflores was regarded as one of the showcase gardens of Montecito and was shown off in Pearl Chase’s annual benefit garden tours. When Mrs. Jefferson died, the property was eventually sold for $100,000. The owner gave 18 acres to the Music Academy, stipulating the property be used for a conservatory of music only – and so it has been.

Since 1947, the Music Academy has been making a unique and enduring contribution to the world of music. It is among the nation’s preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classically-trained musicians. The Fellows have advanced study and performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, guest conductors, and soloists. They present an amazing 200 public events on campus and downtown. The summer school is taking place now through August 6.

Visit musicacademy.org or call (805) 695- 7916 for information and tickets.