Please join me in congratulating LPO principal clarinetist Christopher Pell for his stupendous performances Thursday and Friday night of Aaron Copland's Clarinet Concerto. I feel privileged to perform alongside musicians who exude such amazing talent and commitment.

For those who are unaware, Chris courageously volunteered to play at the last minute both evenings after learning that our guest artist Jose Franch-Ballester was too ill to take the stage. He performed this major concerto beautifully and without rehearsal - or even practice time - which is truly miraculous!

Attracting musicians such as Chris to New Orleans is no simple task, yet the LPO is able to do so repeatedly because of the orchestra's reputation on the national level and because of our region's incredible mystique and culture.

Witnessing incredible musicianship and dedication, such as that displayed by Chris and our entire orchestra on a daily basis, makes me excited to recommit myself to attracting and retaining the best musicians for our community.

With that, I pledge that I will personally match, dollar for dollar, any renewed or additional donation that you make from today to March 31 in support of maintaining an internationally-acclaimed orchestra.

Please donate or renew your gift today. Again, every dollar you donate by March 31 will be matched by me.

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