Palm Beach Symphony Announces Lisa Bruna B-Major Award

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (November 22, 2019) – When the Palm Beach Symphony decided last year to bestow an advanced level instrument to one-to-three talented high school seniors planning to study classical music, it was named the B-Major Award by the Symphony’s Director of Marketing and Communications Lisa Bruna. Sadly, she passed away in October from cancer at the age of 54 and the Symphony has announced it will honor her memory and lasting impact by renaming the annual award the Lisa Bruna B-Major Award.

“For many, Lisa was the voice of Palm Beach Symphony through printed materials and media outreach,” said PBS CEO David McClymont. “We hope to make this a lasting tribute to someone who was a joy to know and a dynamic advocate for classical music and arts education.”

During her two years with the Symphony, Bruna created the seasons’ themes and named many of the concert series, individual concerts and the annual gala as well as this year’s school performance, One Small Step, and the outreach program Nurturing Notes.

An award-winning playwright, Bruna had works published with Smith & Kraus and Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, among others, and was a member of the Dramatists Guild, South Florida Theatre League and Palm Beach Playmakers.   She was also deeply committed to her community and served as a guardian ad litem, board member of the Deaf Service Center of Palm Beach County and as a volunteer reading tutor with the library’s literacy program.

Student nominees for this year’s award have been notified and they will interview and audition for a select panel of judges in December.  Winners will be announced in February and work closely with Palm Beach Symphony musicians to identify, test and select the ideal instrument. 

To be eligible for the award, students must be in good academic standing and planning to enter a music degree program at a university or institution of higher education. Students must be nominated by their music teacher. Nominations will open for the 2021 Lisa Bruna B-Major Award next fall.

ABOUT PALM BEACH SYMPHONY 

Palm Beach Symphony is South Florida’s premier orchestra known for its diverse repertoire and commitment to the community. Founded in 1974, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization adheres to a mission of engaging, educating, and entertaining the greater community of the Palm Beaches through live performances of inspiring orchestral music. The orchestra is celebrated for delivering spirited performances by first-rate musicians and distinguished guest artists. 

Now in its 46th season, Palm Beach Symphony continues to expand its education and community outreach programs with children’s concerts, student coaching sessions and masterclasses, instrument donations, and free public concerts.  For more information, visit www.palmbeachsymphony.org.