Remembrance: Virginia "Ginny" Mancini (1924-2021), Departed
Ginny Mancini, the wife of the renowned composer Henry Mancini, passed away on October 25th, 2021, at the age of 97. Known for her philanthropy and passion for music, Ginny left an indelible mark on the arts scene, particularly at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Ginny Mancini's contributions to UCLA were far-reaching. As an Honorary Life Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, her name is associated with the Virginia and Henry Mancini Principal Flute chair, held by UCLA's lecturer Denis Bouriakov at the LA Philharmonic. However, specific records detailing her philanthropic activities and direct contributions to UCLA's music education programs are not widely documented.
One of Ginny's most notable achievements was the establishment of the Henry Mancini Institute, a comprehensive training ground for future musicians. This institute offers outreach programs and full scholarships to 85 of the world's most talented 18-33-year-old musicians through its Summer Program for Emerging Professional Musicians.
Ginny's commitment to nurturing creativity in children was evident throughout her life. In a 2014 interview with the Los Angeles Times, she expressed her dedication to ensuring that children's creativity is properly nourished. This dedication extended to her role as the President Emeritus of The UCLA Center for the Art of Performance, where she sat on several nonprofit boards, including The Music Center (Honorary Board of Directors) and the Geffen Playhouse.
Denis Bouriakov, the Principal Flute at the LA Philharmonic, fondly remembers Ginny as kind, generous, and deeply passionate about music. Her generosity and compassion will be remembered for generations, as she successfully promoted the importance of children's creativity.
Beyond her direct contributions to UCLA, archival music collections related to the Mancini family exist, such as music manuscripts and materials connected to film music. These collections may indirectly reflect the family's cultural impact, but no explicit reference to Ginny Mancini’s role in philanthropy at UCLA was found in the available materials.
For a more comprehensive understanding of Ginny Mancini's philanthropic impact specifically linked to UCLA's music education, it is recommended to consult UCLA's music department archives or special collections directly. The Henry Mancini Institute, which Ginny co-founded, has had a space within the School of Music at UCLA for over 24 years, further testifying to her enduring legacy.
Ginny Mancini's life was a testament to her love for music and her dedication to nurturing the talents of future musicians. From her high school band, the Mel-Tones, to her co-founding the Society of Singers, a philanthropic organization that raised millions for struggling singers, Ginny's impact on the arts will be felt for generations to come.
- Ginny Mancini's dedication to music transcended beyond her marriage to Henry, as evidenced by her establishment of the Henry Mancini Institute, a training ground for future musicians, and her role as the President Emeritus of The UCLA Center for the Art of Performance, where she worked towards nurturing children's creativity.
- As an Honorary Life Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Ginny Mancini's philanthropic activities directly impacted the music scene, with her donations creating the Virginia and Henry Mancini Principal Flute chair at UCLA, now held by Denis Bouriakov.
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