Director Selects: The launch of the Jolene Koester Music & Arts Education Endowment

On April 4, the Soraya celebrated an important milestone — the launch of the Jolene Koester Music and Arts Education Endowment. For the occasion, The Soraya honored Jolene Koester herself, former CSUN President whose vision for The Soraya was realized in 2011 when she led the community to an auspicious opening night, as well as violinist Joshua Bell, who performed and led the Academy of St Martin Fields, and made his ninth appearance at The Soraya. The Gala celebrated a lead gift by the Perenchio Foundation and a healthy start to the endowment with $2.5 million in funding thus far.

In The Soraya’s signature style, students participated in the evening in many different ways. At the Gala dinner high school and college student musicians from various global cultures entertained dinner guests. CSUN music students enjoyed dinner at a table with musicians from the Academy of St Martin the Fields. The audience was filled with CSUN students from every corner of the vast campus.

Tributes were made to Joshua Bell from artists around the world, and CSUN President Erika D. Beck and CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia provided tributes to Jolene joined by higher education leaders from across the state.

The evening’s theme was “Instrumental,” not only celebrating music, but also all of the individuals who are instrumental to The Soraya and to the future of the performing arts, including supporters, educators, artists, and everyone who values building the audiences of the future. This video captures the spirited and emotional evening.