15th Anniversary
Announcing The Soraya’s Thor Steingraber Fund for Artistic Innovation
For the last 15 years, The Soraya’s programs have represented a commitment to performers that bring the highest forms of artistry to our audiences. The Soraya has been a home for traditions, whether they date back decades or centuries, and has uplifted the diversity of cultures, countries, generations, and style in our Artists.
Through the philanthropic leadership of the Nazarian and Valera families, we are cementing our commitment to these important programs with The Soraya’s new Thor Steingraber Fund for Artistic Innovation. This new fund will underwrite high-quality public performances that exemplify The Soraya’s artistic leadership and profile, preserving and perpetuating its commitment to new works, commissions, premieres, and major programs in scale or scope.
The Soraya’s 15th Anniversary is a celebration of The Soraya’s Artists and a commitment to secure the future of Signature Programming at The Soraya. Join us in this celebration by supporting The Soraya’s 15th Anniversary and the new Thor Steingraber Fund for Artistic Innovation.
In the fall of 2015, my family and I attended a performance at the Valley Performing Arts Center at CSUN. My son, David, had received his undergraduate degree from CSUN many years prior, and we were pleased to see how the campus had grown. The recollections that stand out most in my memory from that evening were the extraordinary venue, its artistic excellence, and my first time meeting Thor Steingraber. For those reasons, my family decided in 2017 to invest in The Soraya’s future and long-term sustainability.
In the ten years since, we have come to know Thor and his vision. Through his leadership, we have witnessed values we so admire come to life on this stage — in the artists, their work, and the experiences they create for Los Angeles’ many communities and for the students of CSUN. Thor’s dedication and imagination serve so many, and it is my wish that his legacy be preserved.
In honor and recognition of Thor’s accomplishments, I am pleased to announce a new fund supporting the art and artists who will continue this work, to be named the Thor Steingraber Fund for Artistic Innovation.
From the performance that first introduced my family to this majestic venue a decade ago, to the many moments of beauty and inspiration that have graced its stage since, we have Thor to thank. I hope you will join me and my family in supporting this effort — to ensure that these performances, and the spirit they embody, thrive long into the future.
– Soraya Sarah Nazarian-
Honoring the Supporters of our 15th Anniversary
Performance Underwriters, Crystal Members, and Major Supporters of the 15th Anniversary and new Thor Steingraber Fund for Artistic Innovation will be recognized in perpetuity with a new commemorative plaque located in The Soraya’s Valera Lobby.
The final performances of The Soraya’s 15th Anniversary Celebration provide two opportunities to support this new fund, help secure the future of programming at The Soraya, and celebrate the departure of Executive and Artistic Director Thor Steingraber.
Gerald Clayton Honors Duke Ellington's Concert of Sacred Music
Sacredness
Gerald Clayton Honors Duke Ellington's Concert of Sacred Music
Sat Jan 31 | 2PM
15th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Riccardo Muti
Thursday, January 22nd
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra makes its Soraya debut with renowned conductor Riccardo Muti, followed by an intimate dinner celebrating The Soraya’s 15th Anniversary and the final season of Executive and Artistic Director Thor Steingraber.
Says Steingraber, “Over the last 15 years, The Soraya has presented some of the world’s finest orchestras, shining in the venue’s exceptional acoustics. As a native-born Chicagoan who grew up attending CSO concerts, I relish the idea of bringing them to The Soraya before my tenure concludes. I am grateful to lead underwriter Anthony Pritzker, a fellow Chicagoan and great L.A. arts supporter.
Funds raised from this special gala dinner will benefit the 15th Anniversary as well as the newly created Thor Steingraber Fund for Artistic Innovation that will ensure The Soraya’s programming excellence into the future.
Crystal Member Price: $1,000 (includes a ticket to the performance and dinner)
Single Tickets Price: $1,500 (includes a ticket to the performance and dinner)
15th Anniversary Closing Party
Sacredness | Gerald Clayton Honors Duke Ellington’s Concert of Sacred Music
Sun, Feb 1 | Rescheduled to Saturday, January 31
Mark the final chapter of The Soraya’s 15th Anniversary Celebration and the launch of The Soraya’s 5th Annual Jazz at Naz festival. Access to the post-show reception in The Soraya’s courtyard is complimentary to all Crystal Members (with a purchase of a standard concert ticket).
Non-Crystal Members can still access the reception with the purchase of a $300 single ticket (includes concert ticket). Add the post-show reception during checkout by selecting ‘Ticket and Access to Post-Show Reception’ when choosing your seats.
