A Philanthropic Ode to the LA Phil and Hollywood Bowl

Errol Briggs’ commitment to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association and the Hollywood Bowl is a shining example of how individual generosity can leave a lasting impact on the arts and the community. Briggs’ story is one of deep connection and dedication to the transformative power of music, most recently exemplified by his decision to include a bequest to the LA Phil in his trust.

Having been a subscriber for 12 years and a regular attendee for 16, Briggs has an affinity for the Hollywood Bowl that is both profound and personal. He describes the venue as “the best place certainly in Southern California to hear music, but also probably in America, too. The word is magical; it’s magical there.”

His appreciation extends not just to the Bowl’s eclectic music offerings but also to the affordability and accessibility of the concerts offered by the LA Phil, which are made available to broad audiences through $1 tickets to every jazz and classical program, all summer long.

Briggs’ philanthropic motivations are deeply rooted in personal experiences and the memories he’s created at the Bowl. In 2021, Briggs made a gift through the Your Name Under the Stars campaign to honor the memory of his longtime girlfriend Angie, who had passed away from brain cancer two years before. By naming a bench at the Bowl, Briggs found a way to honor their shared love of music and the Bowl. “Making that gift was the first step in my healing journey. What better way to honor her than through music?”

When asked if he had ever considered supporting the future of the Bowl with a legacy gift, he said he hadn’t, but his response was enthusiastic. “I didn’t need to be convinced. I was ready to make it happen!” Briggs’ aspirations for his legacy gift are ambitious, reflecting his passion for music, the happiness it brings him, and his desire for the Bowl to be available to future generations. “My ultimate goal is to leave the LA Phil a HUGE gift,” he said with a smile.

We cannot thank Errol Briggs enough, not only for his philanthropic generosity, but for his heartfelt belief in the transformative power of music, the joy of shared experiences, and the importance of giving back to the community that fosters these moments for so many.

To learn more about ways to remember the LA Phil in your estate, please contact legacy@laphil.org.