If you follow my page closely, then you know I am a music girl. It’s a big part of my world and it’s also a great way to get to know a person. People who are absolutely impassioned by melody surround themselves with others of the same interest. This attraction usually leads to hours of music banter. I love when I get caught up in a storm of musical stories… Listening to how certain songs came to be or changed someone’s path completely.
It is with my utmost pleasure to partner with @LAPHIL to talk about a spectacular virtual fundraiser event / musical storytelling!
Icons On Inspiration which will premiere on Saturday, February 6th 2021 at 6pm PT
Renowned icons will join Gustavo Dudamel and the orchestra for an intimate chat about the music that inspires them. We will get a seat at the table for behind-the-scenes moments, and the audiences will watch as the orchestra performs spectacular works that have inspired these artists. I can’t wait to hear the conversations between Dudamel and his star-studded special guests. He’ll be chatting with Julie Andrews, Common, Katy Perry, Natalie Portman, Liv Redpath, Carlos Vives, and Yuja Wang. It will be a nice way to get to know the musical taste of these guests.
Proceeds from this special fundraising event will sustain the ongoing work of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and their musicians, enabling them to engage new audiences and to create the musical experiences that uplift and connect the community. I hope you’ll tune in.
Icons on Inspiration will premiere SAT, February 6th! The event is free to stream through the LA Phil’s YouTube. https://www.laphil.com/support/icons-on-inspiration
I also felt it necessary to make a chocolate cake, and some chocolate covered strawberries for the occasion. What could be better than sitting home sipping on champagne, listening to stories of music and then watching the orchestra play the songs that inspired these artists? Sounds like a night made for me! #IconsOnInspiration #LAPhil
Ingredients for Chocolate Cake:
For cake:
- 2 boxes of devils food cake mix
- Eggs
- vegetable oil
- water
For Chocolate Buttercream:
- 2 sticks butter (room temp)
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 8 ounces whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
Cake:
- Bake four 8 inch cakes according to box instructions.
- Remove from oven and allow to come to room temperature before frosting.
Chocolate Buttercream:
- Beat butter and cocoa powder in a standup mixer on low speed until fluffy.
- Pour in whipping cream and vanilla and whisk on medium high until combined.
- Then gradually add in confectioners sugar. Continue to whip until stiff.
- Place 1/4 of chocolate buttercream in a piping bag with tip attached and set to the side.
Assemble Cake:
- Remove each cake from pan and carefully trim the top off using a serrated knife to create a flat surface.
- Scoop out 1 cup of Chocolate buttercream and place on first layer of cake. Smooth out buttercream to cover first layer completely.
- Repeat process with layer 2 and 3 by stacking one on top of another.
- Top with final layer of cake and then gently press to make sure top layer is secure.
- Use offset spatula to frost the entire outside cake stack with buttercream. Decorate the edges with buttercream in piping bag to create a desired design.
- Decorate with sprinkles.
- Place in fridge for 1 hour before serving.
- Enjoy with chocolate covered strawberries and champagne.
