RadioFacts: The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, a founding resident company of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, presents its Lifetime Achievement Award Gala in honor of Philadelphia legends Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff on Saturday, May 21, 2011, at 6 PM at The Westin Philadelphia. The event is black tie.
�There is no other duo like Gamble & Huff. As a fellow music lover, innovator and director, I have the utmost respect for these men. Without them, the popular music of today would have no soul,� says Chamber Orchestra Music Director Dirk Bross�.
The gala will kick off with cocktails and a three-course sit-down dinner, followed by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff�s recognition ceremony and an evening of dancing with a live band and open bar. A collection of Gamble & Huff�s biggest hits will be performed live by special guest artists and musicians.
Mr. Gamble and Mr. Huff are also eagerly looking forward to the event. �We are extremely honored to be recognized by this prestigious institution for the 40th Anniversary of the founding of our record label, Philadelphia International Records,� the duo says. �Further, we are especially honored because we created the historic Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP) with a combined foundation of rhythm and orchestral sounds through our MFSB Band featuring members of the local orchestra community.�
Gala Chairman The Honorable Edward G. Rendell says, �I am extremely proud that the groundbreaking team of Gamble and Huff came from our city of brotherly love. All Philadelphians take great pride that our city produced such legendary music icons.�
In addition to a night of exciting musical entertainment, silent and live auctions will take place featuring unique and hard-to-find items, including travel opportunities, sports and music memorabilia, concert tickets and much more. Each gala attendee will go home with a commemorative CD to ensure an evening they will always remember.
�It is our exceptional good fortune and honor to present two of the world�s greatest living musical producers, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, for our orchestra�s benefit. On this occasion we are also proud to honor Gamble and Huff with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia�s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at The Westin Philadelphia,� says Chamber Orchestra President William H. Roberts.
Several levels of ticketing are available, including individual tickets from $250 (Early Bird Special through March 31) and ten-seat table sponsors from $3,000. Please visit www.chamberorchestra.org/gala or call 215.545.5451, extension 29, for more information.
�We are thrilled to pay tribute to Philadelphia legends Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff with our Lifetime Achievement Award. Over the past fifty years, their ear for music has truly made them the pioneers of the soul and R&B genres. They have played an incredibly important part in making our great City a cultural powerhouse,� says Chamber Orchestra Executive Director Peter H. Gistelinck.
Forty years ago, legendary producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff created the world renowned Philadelphia International Records label and gave birth to The Sound of Philadelphia. With over 100 Gold and Platinum records, their extraordinary roster includes artists such as Patti LaBelle, The O�Jays, Lou Rawls, and Teddy Pendergrass and hits such as Me and Mrs. Jones, For the Love of Money and Love Train.
The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia is a 33-member professional ensemble, founded in 1964 by Marc Mostovoy and now led by Music Director Dirk Bross�, with Ignat Solzhenitsyn as Conductor Laureate. The Chamber Orchestra brings intimate experiences of world-class small orchestral performances to the greater Philadelphia area, enriching the musical life of the City and region by the integrity and excellence of its musicianship, the boldness and vitality of its programming, and by building the loyalty of its audiences, musicians and supporters.