Music That Grabs You and Never Lets Go

For Benjamin and Betsie Kemper, music has always been more than entertainment. It is a shared language—and one of the foundations of their life together.

Betsie grew up in the Netherlands, where music education was a natural part of community life. She played timpani and later presented concerts, helping audiences discover the stories and images within classical music.

Benjamin, a Los Angeles native, grew up surrounded by everything from Beethoven to the Beatles, played clarinet as a child, and even performed at the Hollywood Bowl as part of an honors orchestra for musicians from across LA County.

After Betsie moved to Los Angeles, one of Benjamin’s first birthday gifts to her was tickets to see her musical hero, John Williams, conduct at the Bowl. She was hooked. Today, attending LA Phil concerts remains, as Benjamin puts it, “one of the core parts of our romance.”

And after years of concertgoing, their enthusiasm has only grown. Betsie marvels at having an orchestra nearby that “can perform anything at the highest level,” while Benjamin describes the experience of hearing music live as visceral and emotional.

“Every time we go to a concert, we’re hoping for that big moment that takes your breath away,” Benjamin says. “Sometimes little things just grab you and never let you go again.”

Their connection to the LA Phil extends beyond the concert hall. The Kempers are longtime subscribers, members of the San Marino–Pasadena Philharmonic Committee, dedicated volunteers, and donors. They have also included the LA Phil in their estate plans as members of the Clark Society.

“We want to make sure the LA Phil has the resources to do what they’re doing,” Benjamin says, “and that includes trying to include everyone.”

That mission resonates deeply with both of them. Through volunteering, they have welcomed families to Walt Disney Concert Hall and seen YOLA students progress from “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to accomplished orchestral playing. For Betsie, who grew up believing music belonged to everyone, that work is essential:

“Classical music is not an elite thing,” she says. “It’s for all of us.”

That same belief inspires their giving. For Betsie, “being a donor is being part of it and ensuring others can be a part of it, too.” Benjamin sees their Clark Society membership as an opportunity to help carry something precious forward:

“We’re caretakers,” he says. “We hold it in place for now, so someone else can grab hold of it later.”

To learn more about joining Ben and Betsie as members of the LA Phil’s Clark Society, reach out to us today at legacy@laphil.org.