Music Festival gets endowment

Laguna Beach Live! has established a Festival Endowment Fund to ensure the future of the Laguna Beach Music Festival.

Joan Halvajian joined Laguna residents Michael and Teddie Ray in establishing the endowment.

Halvajian is a citrus farmer who was a former music educator.

The former music educator has been a SchoolPower president, singer and patron of Pacific Chorale, board member of the Philharmonic Society, leader for Pacific Symphony Orchestra Class Act program, and founder and chairwoman of the Laguna Beach Music Festival for its first five years.

Halvajian is currently serving as a board member of the Laguna Beach Music Festival, and a member of the Advisory Council of the Orange County Great Park.

The festival took its start from grants by the city and its lodging establishments in 2003.

It has been an opportunity to bring many of her interests together.

“She has given generously of her time, talent and treasure to get the Festival off to such a great start,” Laguna Beach Live! President Lucinda Prewitt said in a news release.

“Continuing to be an inspiration, Joan has taken the next step to ensure the growth of the festival and its place as one of the preeminent festivals in the west by establishing a festival endowment.”

The 2008 Laguna Beach Music Festival will be Jan. 14-20 and will feature the acclaimed ensemble The Turtle Island Quartet, award winning young professional group The Ens{omacronl} Quartet, and special guest percussionist Stefon Harris.

For more information, visit www.lagunabeachmusic festival.com.