Pink Martini’s story is probably unlike anything you have heard before. In 1994, Thomas Lauderdale wanted to create a new sound with a broader appeal that could energize crowds and serve as a beautifully inclusive soundtrack to political fundraising. That’s right – the “little orchestra” began as a way to further Lauderdale’s career goals. He drew inspiration from all over the world, crossing classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop until he landed on the genre-bending music you hear today.
Fast forward one year, Lauderdale calls China Forbes, a Harvard classmate living in New York City, and asked her to join Pink Martini. They began writing music together. Their first song, “Sympathique (Je ne veux pas travailler),” became an overnight sensation and was even nominated for Song of the Year at France’s Victoires de la Musique Awards!
Today, Pink Martini features a dozen musicians, has songs in 25 languages and performs its multilingual repertoire on reputable concert stages, including the Kennedy Center, The Hollywood Bowl, and the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Pink Martini will be joined by vocalist China Fobes.