Mourning the Departure: Virginia "Ginny" Mancini (1924-2021)
In the music world, the passing of Virginia "Ginny" Mancini on October 25th, 2021, leaves a significant void. Known for her generosity and unwavering commitment to music education and the arts, Ginny Mancini, the widow of the renowned composer Henry Mancini, has left an indelible mark.
Ginny Mancini's love for music was evident from a young age. Born in 1924 to an Irish father and a Mexican mother, she found solace in music, a passion that would shape her life. Her talent was showcased on radio shows, TV variety shows, and in the chorus of films such as "The Music Man" and "The Harvey Girls."
Ginny Mancini's life intertwined with music in a more profound way when she married Henry Mancini on September 13, 1947. Together, they created a legacy that has echoed through the halls of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The Principal Flute chair at the LA Philharmonic bears their names, and Ginny Mancini served as an Honorary Life Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
At UCLA, Ginny Mancini was a champion of the arts. She served as President Emeritus of UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance and established the Henry Mancini Institute, providing professional training and outreach programs for future musicians. The Institute's most notable initiative is the Summer Program for Emerging Professional Musicians, offering full scholarships to 85 of the world's most talented young musicians.
Denis Bouriakov, UCLA's Herb Alpert School of Music Lecturer & Principal Flute at the LA Phil, remembers Ginny Mancini fondly. "Her dedication to nourishing a child's creativity was truly inspiring," he said. "Her impact on the music community will be felt for generations."
Beyond her direct involvement with music, Ginny Mancini was also a philanthropist. She co-founded the Society of Singers, a philanthropic organisation for singers in need, and her philanthropic contributions, especially related to UCLA and music education, are a subject of ongoing research.
Ginny Mancini's life was a testament to the power of music and the importance of nurturing creativity. At 97 years old, she passed away, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in the world of music and arts. Her spirit, however, lives on in the countless lives she touched and the institutions she supported.
Ginny Mancini's life at UCLA was a testament to her commitment to music education and the arts, serving as President Emeritus of UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance and establishing the Henry Mancini Institute. Beyond her direct involvement with music, she was also a philanthropist, championing organizations like the Society of Singers.
Simultaneously, Ginny Mancini enjoyed entertainment outside of music, often finding relaxation in the world of film and radio shows, where her performances displayed her early talent.
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