Fund established to promote cross-cultural exchange through music and the arts:

In January the Orchestra of the Californias Fund was established at ICF by Jill E. and Tom Barad to support the Orchestra of the Californias initiative spreadheaded by the governors of the three Californias to promote improved binational relations through the arts under the auspices of the Commission of the Californias. The orchestra will be part of an 11-day, cross-border music festival with concerts in La Paz, Tijuana, and Mexicali in Mexico; and San Diego, San Gabriel and San Luis Obispo in California. The concerts will be led by internationally acclaimed conductor David Atherton and produced by Mainly Mozart, a non-profit bi-national organization.

In a recent news statement, California Governor Gray Davis said, "The language of music is universal, and the creation of the Orchestra of the Californias marks a major milestone in the flourishing relationship between the United States and Mexico. It's a true manifestation of our desire to reach out to the people in both of our countries."

A portion of the proceeds for the Orchestra of the California concerts will be to assist music programs along the Baja California peninsula for low-income school children. In La Paz, support will be provided to the music school supported by Fundación Para Los Niños de La Paz, A.C. in the impoverished community of Colonia Marquez de León.

Funding for the Orchestra of the Californias is being provided through a donor advised fund established at ICF as well as through the California Council on the Arts. If you are interested in contributing to the Orchestra of the Californias Fund, call Marisol López at 619.235.2300. For a complete concert schedule visit: http://www.mainlymozart.org/ca_programs.asp