Tuning Up for a Symphony Preview

Standing room only is what Symphony Previews chairman Mary Carpenter expects Dec. 5 at the Music Center. Of course. She and Junior Philharmonic Committee president Mrs. Richard W. Muir have a “yes” from Andre Previn, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra’s music director, for his initial appearance at Symphony Previews. And he’ll be joined at the lectern by his longtime friend and colleague, American composer John Harbison, the Philharmonic’s composer-in-residence.

Developing tomorrow’s symphony audiences today is a high Junior Philharmonic priority. For 37 years their Symphony Previews have provided music enthusiasts with educational (translate that informative) sessions preceding Friday afternoon concerts at the Music Center. Annually, Symphony Previews invites 200 junior and senior high school students to attend each of the six previews (which illuminate the afternoon concerts) as guests. Then Symphonians, Music Center volunteer docents, tour them through the Music Center complex.

Currently putting the final touches on all this (hundreds of senior citizens attend too) are Mrs. David F. Ludwick Jr., Mrs. John M. Heidt, Mrs. Derald Brackman, Mia Kjerulf, Mrs. Richard E. Sobelle, Mrs. John M. Richardson, Mrs. Kenneth Williams, Mrs. William Dorland, Mrs. Thomas Heiserman and Mrs. Richard W. Muir. Chairman Mrs. John Carpenter is hoping Previn and Harbison will join her for a quickie lunch in the Founders, after Previews, but it’s a tight squeeze: He’s conducting at 1:30 p.m.

FLASH: There’s a wonderful flurry surrounding the visit of Col. Sir John Miller, crown equerry to Queen Elizabeth. He’s supposed to leave today, but he’ll gallop off into the sunset with some fun impressions of ranches in the Santa Ynez Valley, of driving teams of mules and the way ranchers whoop it up on Saturday night. Entwined with all that, Norma Bowles surprised husband John (Los Angeles’ chief padrino) with a birthday, the logistics of which were of proportions she found challenging. And guests from New York City, Chicago, Phoenix, Sonoma, North Carolina popped in to “roast” John at a Saturday shindig at Alisal Ranch (including Bohemian Grove pals, masters of the hunt, Rancheros and Los Amigos buddies). The following day the masters of the Santa Ynez Hunt dedicated a hunt to Bowles, with Kate and Brooks Firestone hosting the breakfast. Meanwhile, the Harold C. Ramsers of West Los Angeles, the Firestones and the Leland Swetts were all entertaining Sir John, who’s been so generous when they arrive in London, Hampton Court and Windsor.

Sir John, who recently did a BBC documentary on the Royal Mews, has been responsible for maintaining the stables and coaches for state occasions in England since World War II.

UPSCALE: So much to tell. Madam Lyna, founder and trustee, Middle East Christian Research Center, addresses the Los Angeles World Affairs Council on Friday and the American Women for International Understanding are giving her a toasty Los Angeles welcome. Caroline Leonetti Ahmanson hosts cocktails Friday in her apartment at the Beverly Wilshire, then guests whisk over to Harriet Luckman’s posh penthouse on Sunset for dinner. Is this a round robin?

And more. Mayor of Cannes Anne Marie Dupuy, who’s also a member of the European Parliament, addresses the council at 12:30 p.m. Monday at the Beverly Wilshire. The occasion just happens to mark the 40th anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival, but the mayor will discuss politics too: She served as state chancellor for the Supreme Court of France and as chief of Cabinet under Georges Pompidou. Mouaffak Al Midani will honor her, as well as Charlotte Spadaro, Beverly Hills mayor, at a black-tie dinner party Friday evening.

SPECIAL PLAUDITS:

To Steven J. Ross, chairman of the board, Warner Communications, receiving the Human Relations Award at the American Jewish Committee’s dinner Sunday evening at the Beverly Wilshire ($700 per couple). Bob Daly, Barry Diller, Bruce M. Ramer, Terry Semel, Sid Sheinberg and Frank G. Wells are co-chairs. . . .

To Werner Scharff, chairman of Lanz Inc., for the Award of Hope by the Professions and Finance Associates Chapter of the City of Hope on Saturday at the Beverly Hilton. Pia Zadora headlines entertainment.

GALA: The 75th anniversary Diamond Jubilee Ball is on the minds of president Bess Karniol and the Los Angeles chapter of Hadassah. It’s Sunday in the International Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton. Dr. Eliezer Rachmilewitz, noted hematology researcher, will speak. . . .

Keith Williams Orchestra will play the tunes for the Grant Beckstrand Cancer Foundation dinner Saturday at Virginia Country Club in Long Beach. . . .

It’s not too late to catch the Nine O’Clock Players of the Assistance League of Southern California James Thurber fairy tale, “The Thirteen Clocks.” The musical version about time standing still (Jan Gorman is the duke who freezes the clocks in a gloomy castle) has been playing this month at the Assistance League Playhouse, 1367 N. St. Andrews Place, Hollywood. It continues Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Reservations: (213) 459-1970. Ottilie Laybourne of Bel-Air heads up the production. Louisa Mullin plays the bewitched princess and Kathy Morgan the handsome prince. . . .

The Right Rev. Oliver B. Garver Jr., suffragan bishop of the Episcopal diocese of Los Angeles, is expected for the annual thank-you tea at the Episcopal Home Alhambra this afternoon. Margaret Chapin will greet volunteers and clergy.

BIG STAKES: An Arabian horse, diamonds, and all will be auctioned for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America at their 10th annual dinner dance Saturday at 20th Century Fox Studios. Paul Bermankk, vice president with Drexel, Burnham and Lambert, is auction chairman with a goal of $100,000. Comedian Richard Kline, the “Love Boat’s” Ted Lange and actress Diana Muldaur will help raise the auction bids. . . .

Jesse Borrego (“Fame”) will participate in the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund annual gala this evening at the Biltmore.