In Wednesday’s (2/11) Philadelphia Bulletin, Lindsay Warner writes, “Philadelphia has been swept up in the true story of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a schizophrenic Juilliard-trained musician who landed on the streets of Los Angeles, and who was helped by Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez. The Free Library chose Mr. Lopez’s book, The Soloist, as its ‘One Book, One Philadelphia’ recipient for the year, and the city has been privy to a host of special events discussing the book. Now, motivated by Mr. Lopez’s book, orchestras around the country are joining forces to participate in food drives during the month of March. At least 163 orchestras have announced an intention to participate in ‘Orchestras Feeding America,’ a nationwide initiative organized by the League of American Orchestras. Local participants include the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Kennett Symphony of Chester County and the Philadelphia Sinfonia. … ‘As a nonprofit, we feel this is an important way to give back to the community, and a great way to combine the arts and helping others,’ said Ginna Goodall, executive director of the Kennett Symphony.’ ”
Photo of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers and Steve Lopez by Matthew Imaging
