The Scene In and Around Boston . . .
By Hilda M. Morrill
June 18, 2010

Actress and UNICEF ambassador Tea Leoni, left, and Tiffany Ortiz at the "UNICEF Women's Luncheon Series" event. (Photo by Roger Farrington)

2010 marks the 8th year of the "UNICEF Women's Luncheon Series" in Boston. The luncheons attract women from the professional and philanthropic communities to an intimate event with a brief presentation by the featured speaker followed by a question-and-answer session. Traditionally, the speaker's remarks are about UNICEF, and the speaker's personal experience with issues that affect women and children in developing countries.

This spring, Tiffany Ortiz was among the notables at the Hampshire House to hear actress and UNICEF ambassador, Téa Leoni, speak about UNICEF's work in Haiti following the January earthquake.

Ms. Leoni represents the third generation of her family working to help the children of the world.

Her grandmother, Helenka Pantaleoni, helped organize Women United for the United Nations and held the posts of vice president and liaison with UNICEF. In 1947, as part of a group that sought public backing for UNICEF, she co-founded what is now the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and served as its president for 25 years.

Anthony Pantaleoni, Téa's father, currently serves as the chair of the board, and Téa also serves on the board.

Best known for her starring roles in Spanglish, The Family Man, and Deep Impact, Ms. Leoni has been a UNICEF ambassador since 2003.

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. Working in more than 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States.

For more information about the organization, visit www.unicefusa.org.

James Levine Not Returning to Tanglewood

Earlier this week BSO Managing Director Mark Volpe announced that BSO Music Director James Levine will withdraw from his Tanglewood concert appearances due to further recuperation time needed after major back surgery in April.

Several of the world's most prestigious conductors will fill in for the six BSO concerts and three Tanglewood Music Center programs to have been led by James Levine, including Michael Tilson Thomas (July 9, 16, and 17), Christoph von Dohnányi (August 1 and 2), and Hans Graf (July 25). In addition, Johannes Debus, music director of the Canadian Opera Company, will make his BSO debut on July 23.

"This has been a tough year for all of us associated with the BSO, but for no one more than James Levine," said Volpe. "Since there is typically a long recovery period needed after major back surgery, we understand that it is the best course of action for Jim to take the summer off, and we hope that his convalescence continues to go well. Jim's determination to successfully complete his course of rehabilitation has been remarkable-and reminds me of the singular focus he has brought to his greatest musical achievements over the years. We have deep admiration and respect for all Jim has accomplished with the BSO, and we look forward to next season when he is in better health and returns to what he loves doing more than anything else-leading performances of the highest, uncompromised standards."

"It is with great personal disappointment that I must withdraw from the upcoming Tanglewood season, and my work with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Tanglewood Music Center," said Maestro Levine. "... I am incredibly grateful for the tremendous support and understanding I've received from my colleagues and friends throughout the music world, all of which is helping me more than I can say in getting through this most challenging time. Though I will miss being with you all, I wish my BSO and Tanglewood colleagues a successful summer season."

Recently announced additions to the Tanglewood 2010 schedule include Broadway star Idina Menzel and trumpet legend Doc Severinsen performing with the Boston Pops on July 2; Alec Baldwin as narrator for the July 18 Boston Pops performance of The Dream Lives On: A Portrait of the Kennedy Brothers; Simon and Garfunkel on July 27; Herbie Hancock on August 9; and Crosby, Stills, and Nash on September 1.

Tanglewood is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra located in the Berkshire Hills between Lenox and Stockbridge, MA. The Boston Symphony Orchestra performs its first concert of the Tanglewood season on July 9 and closes its portion of the season August 29, presenting 22 programs throughout the summer.

Prior to the BSO's opening night performance, Tanglewood opens on June 26 with a Prairie Home Companion and closes with the annual Tanglewood Labor Day Weekend Jazz Festival, September 4 and 5. For more information, visit www.tanglewood.org.

Enjoy!

In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." 
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