For more than 60 years, the Committee of Professional Women (COPW) has brought together professionals who share a love of music and a commitment to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Founded in 1965 by a pioneering group of women from across Los Angeles’s business and professional communities, COPW has built an extraordinary legacy of volunteerism, philanthropy, music education, and fellowship.

From its earliest years, the committee recognized that learning more about music could deepen the concert experience. In 1967, COPW member Anita Priest—Professor of Music at Los Angeles City College and an LA Phil organist—created a series of pre-concert “Preview” lectures for fellow members. The talks were soon opened to all concertgoers and ultimately evolved into Upbeat Live, the pre-concert program enjoyed by LA Phil audiences today.

COPW continues to advance the LA Phil’s mission through volunteer service, fundraising, educational programs, and community engagement. At the same time, its concerts, cultural excursions, and social gatherings foster a vibrant community of music lovers who enjoy exploring the arts together.

Quick Facts

• Founded: 1965
• Focus: Volunteer service, philanthropy, music education, audience and community engagement
• Membership: Professional women and men, both working and retired
• Signature Activities: Educational and musical programs, annual orchestral score donation, community service projects, and summer visits to Festival Mozaic
• Annual Gatherings: Fall event, Annual Meeting, Prospective Members Event, and Installation Luncheon

Who We Are

The Committee of Professional Women is one of the LA Phil’s longest-standing Affiliate committees. It was established in 1965 after Marion Burke, Executive Secretary to Dorothy Chandler, suggested forming an Affiliate group for women in business and the professions. At the time, Los Angeles was the only major American orchestra community without such an organization.

Dorothy Chandler, Muriel Morse, Helen Nix, and Kay Wilson spearheaded the committee’s creation, joined by a founding group of distinguished women representing a wide range of professions. Among its best-known early members was Edith Head, the celebrated costume designer and multiple Academy Award winner.

The committee grew rapidly, reaching nearly 200 members within its first several months. Its members attended their first concert together on April 15, 1965—a performance of Mahler’s Second Symphony conducted by Zubin Mehta at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion—and soon established traditions of concert attendance, educational enrichment, volunteer service, and cultural travel.

COPW opened its membership to men in 1999. Today, it welcomes working and retired professionals who share a passion for music and the arts and a desire to support the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Our Impact in the Community 

Throughout its history, COPW has paired its enthusiasm for music with a strong commitment to service. Members have supported LA Phil programs through volunteerism, fundraising, instrument drives, ticket access initiatives, and other projects designed to introduce more people to live orchestral music.

Opening the Concert Hall to Young People

Beginning in 2005, COPW purchased tickets to Symphonies for Youth concerts for children living in group homes and foster care settings. The initiative was later expanded to include residents of domestic violence shelters, enabling hundreds of young people to experience the LA Phil and Walt Disney Concert Hall.

In 2008, the League of American Orchestras honored the initiative, “Opening the Concert Hall for Disadvantaged Children,” with a Gold Book Award recognizing outstanding volunteer achievement.

Supporting Young Musicians

COPW has also provided direct support for young musicians through its work with YOLA. The committee’s YOLA Instrument Drive generated 257 donated instruments and music-related items, while additional contributions helped fund the purchase of more than 50 instruments.

The League of American Orchestras recognized the project with a second Gold Book Award in 2012. COPW later established a YOLA holiday toy drive, further strengthening its connection to the young musicians and families served by the program.

Volunteer Service and Philanthropy

COPW members continue to support LA Phil programs and events through volunteer service, fundraising, and community outreach. The committee also maintains its long-standing tradition of donating an orchestral score each year to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Music Library—an enduring contribution to the orchestra’s artistic work and musical resources.

Over the decades, COPW has participated in initiatives including Symphonies for Schools, Symphonies for Youth, and other programs that welcome children, families, and new audiences into the LA Phil community.

Music, Culture, and Fellowship

Alongside its service, COPW offers members opportunities to deepen their appreciation of music and build lasting friendships. Educational, musical, and social programs are held throughout the year, including a fall event, Annual Meeting, Prospective Members Event, and Installation Luncheon.

Cultural excursions have also been an important part of the committee’s history. Members have traveled together to destinations including European music festivals, the Santa Fe Opera, and the Ojai Music Festival.

Since 1994, COPW members have gathered each summer for Festival Mozaic in San Luis Obispo, combining exceptional performances with cultural exploration and fellowship. These shared experiences reflect the committee’s founding belief that learning about and experiencing music together can create a stronger community of advocates for the arts.

Learn more about getting involved by contacting the LA Phil Affiliates team at volunteer@laphil.org or 213 972 3530.