Barbara Mortensen attended her first opera at the age of five. Her love for music started there and has never slowed down.
Today, she and her husband Maury are doing everything they can to make sure future generations have the same opportunities to hear great music at a young age. Barbara and Maury recently made the momentous decision to leave a significant portion of their estate to the LA Phil.
"Living out in Rancho Mirage, we don't get to come to concerts in Los Angeles very often. When Gustavo Dudamel joined the LA Phil, the Association's commitment to education increased – that is when we decided to support the orchestra. I really believe you have to expose children to music. If you don't provide access for future generations, you are going to lose this art form that you love."
Barbara is more than simply a financial supporter of music. She puts her beliefs into practice by working tirelessly to promote music to young people:
"Children might not love classical music when they first are exposed to it, but you have to give them the chance. You have to give them the opportunity to start on this path to love something that could be with them for their whole lives."
While they live in Rancho Mirage, and aren't currently able to come into Los Angeles for shows, Barbara and Maury have remained connected to the LA Phil: "During the whole COVID episode, the LA Phil did a spectacular job of making people from afar feel included and inclusive. We didn't feel lost or left out. We've attended all of the events we could on Zoom, and we always felt that we were in touch."
To other donors considering a philanthropic gift, Barbara advises, "We're not rich people, but we do what we can. Everyone can do something. If you love music, you can do something to support it. It's as easy as that."
"My main thing is: You have to give back to things that you love, and that's your way of saying thanks. It doesn't take tons of money – it takes caring and any kind of contribution you can make. There's no excuse not to."
the LA Phil thanks Barbara and Maury for everything they do for the LA Phil and the arts across Southern California. The future of music in our community is in good shape because of leaders like them.
Like Barbara and Maury, you too can support the future of the LA Phil with a gift in your estate. Contact us at legacy@laphil.org or 213 972 3458 to learn more about your options.