For six decades, Mimi Rotter has been a loyal LA Phil subscriber, donor, volunteer, leader, and friend.
From seeing Conductor Emeritus Zubin Mehta in the early 1960s leading concerts in the then brand-new Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to watching Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel conduct more than 1,000 musicians in Mahler’s massive Symphony No. 8 at the Shrine Auditorium in 2012, Mimi has been a dedicated LA Phil fan all her life.
“In the beginning, I didn’t have a lot of money, so I gave my time,” Rotter said of her extensive work volunteering with and then leading the Santa Monica–Westside Philharmonic Committee. “You have to give something when you are getting so much, and that’s why I became so involved in volunteering.”
In her work with the LA Phil Affiliates and as a member of The Symphonians (volunteer tour guides for The Music Center), Rotter has developed close relationships with many LA Phil musicians over the years, becoming a member of the extended LA Phil family herself.
Rotter became a member of the William Andrews Clark Society by leaving a legacy gift to the LA Phil, but this year she also made a significant gift of appreciated stock, which enabled her to give more than she otherwise would have been able to.
“I’m going to be leaving a gift in my will, and I would like to be able to give something now and see it going to work. Just last week I saw Dudamel conduct a program of the music of [Aaron] Copland and [Gabriela] Ortiz. When he plays music like that, there is such passion and joy. It goes right to his soul…and mine.”
“It is incumbent upon us all to say thank you in our own way, and if you can afford to give any amount, you will find that it is very gratifying,” Rotter said. “I am a big believer in supporting what you love!”
If you would like to join Mimi Rotter in making a gift of appreciated stock, please notify us at legacy@laphil.org or 213 972 3458.
LA Phil Donor Dollars at Work
Mimi’s gift has made a tangible impact, and your gift can too.
Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) has outfitted 1,500 of the city’s most vulnerable children with free instruments, music lessons, academic support, and leadership training. In doing so, YOLA provides a creative outlet for the children and inspires them to reach their fullest potential both within their music and within their education.
YOLA musicians have a high school graduation rate of 100%, and 90% of them go on to attend college. The LA Phil is extremely honored and proud to bring YOLA to the children of Los Angeles.
Learn more information about the LA Phil’s learning programs.