Ken and Doreen Klee: A Lifelong Bond Through Music

For Ken and Doreen Klee, music has always been more than entertainment—it is a lifelong passion and a meaningful thread in their shared journey. Together since they were 17 and married for 53 years, the Klees credit classical music as one of the constants that has enriched their lives, both at home and in concert halls across Los Angeles.

Ken’s earliest memory of the LA Phil dates back to when he was 12 years old, attending concerts at Philharmonic Auditorium with his late brother, Alan Scott Klee. Those early experiences sparked a love of music that he and Doreen have nurtured throughout their lives.

Doreen recalls her first Hollywood Bowl concert in 1954, when, at just 5 years old, she danced in the aisles with her best friend during a performance by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo.

In 2018, the Klees honored Alan’s memory by endowing the Second Horn position at the LA Phil, held by Gregory Roosa, through a $1 million bequest. “It was deeply meaningful to all of us,” Ken reflected, noting how the gift brought joy to Alan during his lifetime.

As devoted Sunday-afternoon subscribers at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Klees find a deep connection with the music and the community. “I like to leave the concert feeling uplifted and meditative before I go out into LA,” Ken shared. “I do think that it’s very romantic. We get to hold hands; we get to sit and listen to something beautiful. We also like the pre-concert talks—they give us insights into the music.”

For Ken, a retired attorney and professor of law, and Doreen, whose career spanned social work and fundraising, these musical moments form the fabric of their lives. Looking ahead, the Klees are committed to ensuring that future generations, including their own grandchildren, can share in the transformative power of music.

As they describe it, “Music brings us together—it’s something we’ve always shared. Supporting the LA Phil means supporting a legacy of excellence that will inspire many more years of extraordinary performances.”

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