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At just 26 years old, Laufey has already accomplished remarkable feats in her music career. Now, she is setting her sights on empowering emerging musicians to achieve their aspirations.
On April 29, the Grammy-winning artist, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist announced the establishment of The Laufey Foundation. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility to music education, focusing particularly on youth orchestra programs for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Laufey herself began her journey in youth orchestras before earning a Presidential Scholarship to Berklee College of Music.
“The support and scholarships I received as a child were pivotal in shaping my career,” Laufey expressed in a statement. “It has always been my dream to offer similar opportunities to the next generation. I am eager to engage with the young musician community!”
The foundation will make inaugural grants to several well-known organizations, including the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, the LA Phil’s YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) program, The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, and two of Carnegie Hall’s national youth ensembles, NYO2 and NYO Jazz. Plans are in place to expand grants to additional orchestras worldwide in the coming years.
Laufey’s personal financial support marks the foundation’s inception, with backing from founding partners such as AWAL, AEG Presents, and Steinway & Sons. Additionally, benefactor partners like Warner Chappell, Catbird, and Gibson have joined in. A portion of the sales from every Mei Mei the Bunny plushie will also contribute to the foundation.
This initiative isn’t the first time Laufey has engaged in philanthropic activities. Last year, she launched the Laufey Scholarship for Graduate Students at Syracuse University’s Bandier Music Business Master’s Program, pledging $100,000 to assist international students needing financial help over the next decade. Earlier in the year, she provided assistance to various organizations, including World Central Kitchen and the Pasadena Humane Society, that supported Los Angeles communities affected by local wildfires.
Source
www.billboard.com