THE ORANGE COUNTY CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

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Carl St.Clair Music Director April 24,2018 Joann Leatherby.. Chair,. Board of: Directors Jahn E. Forsyte i'resldent To Whom It May concern I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Orange County Center For Contemporary Art (OCCCA) on a number of projects with Pacific Symphony and would work with them again should there be a future opportunity. I have always found them to be creative, totally open to ideas and willing to explore new possibilities, not to mention they are very: supportive partners. Since 2015, Pacific Symphony has produced three chamber music concert experiences in their space as part of experimental efforts to present classical music in non-traditional ways to reach wider audiences. This has often been in collaboration with other art forms, including DJs, video and_visual artists (including OCCCA members) and dancers, while responding to and integrating the different exhibitions that were running at the time as part of the musical experience. Working with the team at Orange County Center For Contemporary Art is so refreshing. They are so open to experimenting and trying new things with a solution -based approach. I don't recall ever hearing them say the word "no" or "we can't." It's a very inspiring contrast to the more rigid world in which I often have to navigate that is more conservative due to the traditional culture of symphony orchestras and a myriad of union rules and regulations, which can also make us difficult to work with. OCCCA has always been flexible when we have had to make shift and helped us solve such issues. As an added bonus, they have always treated us like part of their family and been very generous with their time and space, often accommodating unusual schedules and some potential inconveniences to make sure that our collaborations have been successful. It is no exaggeration to say that among my absolute favorite and proudest accomplishments during my six -and -half-year tenure with Pacific Symphony, that the projects with OCCCA are at the very top of my list. It's a wonderful organization very worthy of support. Sincerely, Kurt Mortensen Director of Audience Engagement° Pacific Symphony (714)876-2323 kmortensen@pacificsymphony.org ORANGECOUNTY'S Pacific ym hony 17620 Fitch Avenue Irvine, California 92614 ,o�ursr.aaie r.�usic uraecToe Main 714.755.57£39 ..vawvv.haclflcsymphooy.org