Pianist Thomas Lauderdale formed Pink Martini in 1984 in Portland, Oregon. At the time, he was interested in politics and went to numerous fundraisers, where he always found the musical selections poor.
Inspired by music from throughout the world, Lauderdale threw classical music, pop, and jazz into the pot and created the “little orchestra” he called Pink Martini. His goal was to provide inclusive and beautiful background music for political events. He called a Harvard classmate, China Forbes, and asked her to join the fledgling group.
The first single they wrote was “Sympathetique,” which earned a nomination for “Song of the Year” at the Victoires de la Musique Awards in France.
The group varies in size depending on the occasion, ranging from ten to twelve musicians. Their European debut came at the Cannes Film Festival in 1997, and their orchestra debut came in 1998 with the Oregon Symphony. They played with The BBC Concert Orchestra at London’s Royal Abert Hall, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. They have hit the charts in countries around the world. A review says:
“All the band members are insanely talented . . . The best part is that they are, simply, one of the most fun bands you will ever see.”
Pink Martini will be at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay on August 24. Organizers can publicize events like this with Posters created at Print shops.
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