From the Heart

Riviera Residents Receive LACO ‘Heartstrings Award’ for Their Support of the Arts

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Riviera residents Shaheen and Anil Nanji were honored at the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Gala Celebration on Saturday, April 6, at Skirball Cultural Center.

Founded in 1968 by cellist James Arkatov, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra began as an artistic outlet for musicians in the recording industry. Arkatov had a vision for an ensemble that would allow artists to balance studio work and artistic collaboration.

“Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through intimate and transformative musical experiences which exemplify and foster artistic excellence, education and innovation,” according to the organization. “Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra seeks to be a cultural force in Los Angeles and recognized as a premier orchestra worldwide.”

The orchestra presented longtime LACO advocates and philanthropists Shaheen and Anil with the LACO Heartstrings Award, celebrating their commitment to and support of the arts.

Anil made the move from Kenya to England to attend boarding school at Malvern Boys College, where every student learns the music of English composer Edward Elgar, according to a press release from LACO. Anil went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in physics and astronomy from the University College London, and an MBA from the London Business School. In 1981, he and his family emigrated to LA.

Shaheen emigrated from Tanzania to Vancouver in 1971 with her family, where she went on to attend Simon Fraser University and earn her bachelor’s degree. She also obtained an LLB from the University of British Columbia. Shaheen practiced as a civil litigator before moving to LA in 1988, when she and Anil were married.

Shaheen is known for dedicating most of her free time to philanthropy and activism. She has served on the Board of Artwallah—an organization that showcases South Asian musicians, dancers and artists in Southern California. She has also been active with the Aga Khan Development Network and served on the Board of Curtis School for eight years, “with a focus on diversity and inclusivity,” according to the press release.

Anil is currently president and owner of Integrated Magnetics, and a founding partner of NextGen Solawazi, a company that develops and operates utility-scale solar plants. The company supplies electricity to isolated mini-grids in Tanzania.

Shaheen and Anil were first introduced to LACO’s Silent Film series by a family friend nearly three decades ago.

“From concertgoers, they became volunteers and supporters, and in 2014, Shaheen began serving as a member of LACO’s Board of Directors,” the press release read.

Over the last four years, Shaheen has co-chaired the LACO Board Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

“LACO is delighted to salute Shaheen and Anil Nanji for their deeply impactful support of LACO,” LACO Board Chair Anne-Marie Spataru said in a statement. “In addition to their generous philanthropic support, they are both ardent volunteers who have helped introduce the orchestra to new audiences. Shaheen has also been a valued member of LACO’s Board of Directors for the past decade.”

When accepting their award, Shaheen and Anil expressed gratitude for LACO and its presence in their lives.

“Every great city has a beating heart made up of its cultural institutions, and here in LA, we are very lucky to have so many incredible organizations and patrons that make our city’s cultural landscape so rich,” the couple said. “Among these treasures, LACO occupies a very special place for us because it’s boldly adventurous in its programming, because it takes music directly to communities across our city, because of the tremendously talented virtuoso musicians who make up the orchestra, and because it is up-close and personal in a way that other world-class institutions find it hard to be.”

The sold-out gala celebration drew over 360 attendees and raised a “record-breaking” $1 million to benefit LACO, and its artistic and educational initiatives.