Pink Martini was formed in Portland, Oregon in 1994 by a local politician, Thomas Lauderdale. Lauderdale had attended many political fundraisers where he found the music uninspiring. He created what he called a “little orchestra” for the purpose of making music at fundraisers more inclusive and beautiful. He also contacted China Forbes, a former Harvard classmate, and asked her to join the new group. The two began composing music, and a successful act was born.
Today, Forbes still fronts the group, and although she is monolingual, she sings in a variety of languages. The number of musicians in the group varies from 10 to 12, and Pink Martini performs solo concerts around the world. They have also appeared with symphony orchestras in the Middle East, Turkey, Greece, Asia, and Europe. They have now appeared with more than 50 orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the BBC Concert Orchestra. Poster printing can be used to be publicize this event and others like it.
A review of Pink Martini says:
“How do you explain the phenomenon that is Pink Martini? . . . It's alternatively world music, easy listening, a wonderful blend of classical, pop, big band and swing all bundled up into one gigantic package of awesome and tied with a multi-coloured bow of happiness.”
Pink Martini will appear at the Balboa Theatre on December 14 at 8:00 pm.