Pink Martini has its roots in political fundraisers. Thomas Lauderdale attended these events as a political worker, and found the music to be loud and unexciting. To remedy this, he founded Pink Martini in 1994 in his hometown of Portland, Oregon.
Pink Martini plays music that appeals to a wide range of audiences, working in jazz, traditional pop, Latin, and classical genres. In 1995, Lauderdale asked a colleague from Harvard University, China Forbes, to join the band. She agreed, and their 1997 single “Sympathique” was nominated for the “Song of the Year” award at the French "Victoires de la Musique Awards."
The number of musicians in the group at any one time varies from 10 to 12, and they can sing in 15 languages, making Pink Martini truly international. In 1997, they appeared at the Cannes Film Festival, making their European debut. The following year, they debuted as an orchestra with the Oregon Symphony. Since then, they have appeared with over 50 orchestras worldwide, including the BBC Concert Orchestra in London, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
A review says:
“It was a joyous . . . uplifting, energizing show, one that took the audience through time and space, leaving them dizzily happy and dancing . . .”
Pink Martini will be at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa on January 12. Audiences at events like these enjoy having programs, which organizers can create with brochure printing.