In the beautiful Founders Room inside Walt Disney Concert Hall this past December, Friends of the LA Phil gathered once again to celebrate their love of music at a donor-only Meet the Musicians event. While spending time among fellow LA Phil supporters, Friends enjoyed their beverage of choice with mouth-watering appetizers of polenta cake and tapenade, corn and crab salad on plantain chips, and mini beef wellington with black truffle. The musicians featured at this event all share one common title—Associate Principals within their respective sections. LA Phil Associate Principals Dale Hikawa Silverman (viola), Ben Hong (cello), and Burt Hara (clarinet) joined in the festivities and engaged in a lively discussion moderated by Orchestra Personnel Manager Jeffrey Neville—just before his retirement—sharing their experiences on a wide range of topics including the unique challenges of new music, guest conductors, and navigating their craft through a pandemic. Friends of the LA Phil took advantage of the opportunity to then ask the musicians their own burning questions before heading home for the night. We were thrilled to welcome the Friends back to this special event and hope to see many of you at the next one!