The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) and New College Foundation invite the public to join in a celebration of Ann Hobson Pilot's groundbreaking career as Principal Harpist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and her teaching and philanthropic work around the world. The event will take place at the Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Road, on April 20, 2011, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, and will feature the local premiere of a recently released 30-minute film by the Boston Symphony, A Harpist's Legacy: Ann Hobson Pilot and the Sound of Change. Proceeds will benefit WBTT. Tickets are $15.00 and are available by calling 941.366.1505.

Co-chairs of the event are Audrey Coleman and Dr. Susan M. Brainerd.

Ann Hobson Pilot is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music. She joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1969 and became principal harpist in 1980. Prior to that she played with the Pittsburgh Symphony and the Washington National Symphony. Mrs. Pilot has had an extensive solo career, performing with many orchestras in the U.S. and around the world.

Mrs. Pilot is the recipient of a Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Bridgewater State College. In 1998 and 1999 she was featured in a video documentary sponsored by the Museum of Afro-American History and WGBH, aired nationwide on PBS, about her personal musical journey as well as her journey in Africa to find the roots of the harp. Mrs. Pilot is on the faculties of the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston University, the Tanglewood Music Center, and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. She is a member of the contemporary music ensemble Collage and has also performed with the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, the Marlboro Music Festival, the Newport Music Festival, and the Sarasota Music Festival, among others. She is a member of the Ritz Chamber Players and has performed extensively with them in concerts around the country.