This month, Dorothy Orgill Kirsch received recognition for her contributions to Memphis’ artistic scene.
It was time to pay tribute to Dorothy Kirsch.
She’s most likely someone you’ve seen at Memphis cultural events for years.
Kirsch was the special guest of honor at an ARTSmemphis homage held at the group’s offices earlier this month. According to longtime family friend Dabney Coors, “a representative of every single organization invited” came. “She has given them all her support.”
“65 years of Dorothy Orgill Kirsch’s support for all of our arts organizations” was the reason for the celebration. “We are going to celebrate her ongoing gifts to the city,” adds Coors.
Kirsch has funded the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Opera Memphis, Playhouse on the Square, Theatre Memphis, and ARTSmemphis, according to the City of Memphis proclamation.
The Memphis Zoo, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Rhodes College, TheatreWorks, Hattiloo Theatre, Ballet Memphis, and New Ballet Ensemble are among the other organizations she underwrites. “She has underwritten every theater, every ballet group—you name it,” Coors claims.
Additionally, Kirsch backed Mario Monterosso’s “Simple Song of Freedom” humanitarian effort in response to the conflict in Ukraine. For the endeavor, she wrote music for thirty musicians and thirty singers.
Monterosso had the idea to use musicians from Memphis to create a music video akin to Bobby Darin’s “We Are the World.” He intended to utilize the film to spread a message of freedom and peace. Among the many performers are Carla Thomas, Amy LaVere, Kallen Esperian, Larry Dodson, Gary Beard, the choirs of Stax Music Academy, and the gospel choir of First Baptist Church featuring Rev. Keith Norman. Priscilla Presley quoted Mother Teresa as it came to a close.
During the homage, Coors, who called Kirsch “the angel of Memphis arts,” stated that Dorothy was tapping her feet and hands and nodding her head in agreement when she heard “Simple Song of Freedom.” I’d want to help with this endeavor.
On December 20, Monterosso had his video premiere at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
According to Monterosso, Kirsch “loves Memphis beyond everything else.” “It seems to me that whenever she funds a project, it’s as though she’s supporting Memphis.”
He adds, “Everything she does represents Memphis around the world. She likes to see Memphis behind every single project.” And this is very amazing.
Kirsch’s kind of person “is very rare,” Monterosso continues. It is truly amazing when people take actions only motivated by their passion for the arts or the city in which they were raised.
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