Arts: the Next Generation

The development and debut of the Los Angeles Music Center a quarter-century ago marked this city’s cultural coming of age. In the last 25 years the Music Center complex--the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Ahmanson Theatre and the Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum--has played host to the world’s finest musicians, singers, actors and dancers. As part of this week’s silver anniversary celebration, three young artists have been honored in what Music Center officials plan to make an annual event. The premier winners of the Dorothy B. Chandler Performing Arts Award are the violinist Midori, the post-modern choreographer Charles Moulton, and writer, director and set, costume and puppet designer Julie Taymor.

Midori--she uses only the one name--made her debut in 1982 at the age of 10 with Zubin Mehta and the New York Philharmonic. Born in Osaka, Japan,she has already performed with many of theworld’s major orchestras. Last year she was honored by the Japanese government as Best Artist of the Year. Charles Moulton began his dance career in 1972 and established his own critically acclaimed company eight years later. In collaboration with various composers, he has created more than 100 works. Julie Taymor has developed her interest in puppetry and theaterin France, Japan and Indonesia. Among the many honors she has received are the American Academy of Arts and Letters Richard Rodgers Award.

Each of the winners has received a cast-bronze and gold-leaf sculpture designed by Los Angeles artist Robert Graham and a $25,000 cash prize during ceremonies that are scheduled to be broadcast Jan. 14 on PBS. The awards properly honor individuals who have already brought great honor to the arts.