On July 25, 2008 at the Annual Summer Benefit Concert and Dinner, The Perlman Music Program honored the late Philip Bernard Dusenberry for his $200,000 gift to support The Perlman Music Program’s Endowment Fund. The gift was dedicated to Mr. Dusenberry’s Midwood High School Choral Director, Nathaniel George Levine and a scholarship in his name was established.

“This partnership recognizes who we are and who Nathaniel George Levine, “The Boss,” was. The impression he made upon his students, his style and commitment feels familiar because we at PMP also try to make a difference, to make an indelible impression on our students and to change their lives forever.”
-Toby Perlman

As a tribute to Mr. Dusenberry’s choral director, the night began with the PMP chorus performing selections from Mozart’s Grand Mass in C Minor K.427 and Bach’s Mass in B Minor, conducted by Maestro Patrick Romano.

This was followed by The Perlman Music Program String Orchestra, led by Maestro Perlman, performing Mozart’s Divertimento in D Major, K. 136 and Stravinsky’s Concerto in D Major for String Orchestra. The musical portion of the evening was capped off by an exciting performance by the orchestra of Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy (arr. by Stephanie Chase).

It was a special and successful night to remember Mr. Dusenberry and his commitment to the arts.

Philip Dusenberry, best known as the successful advertising executive of BBDO, was born on April 28, 1936 in Brooklyn, NY. Mr. Dusenberry first demonstrated his creative ability while working as a disc jockey and writing small articles for a local radio station. He then moved on to work for the well known advertising firm, BBDO, which he would eventually manage for the rest of his career. In this role, he proved his unparalleled talent in advertising by making commercials for prominent clients such as Gillette, Right Guard, and the Pepsi Co.

He was also a major influence in a difficult time for America, as he created public service announcements following the September 11th, 2001 tragedy. After his retirement in 2002, he was initiated into the Advertising Hall of Fame in Washington D.C., as well as the Creative Hall of Fame at the One Club in New York. As chairman of BBDO in North America, Mr. Dusenberry’s memory lives on through the success of his company, which continues to receive hundreds of awards and high-profile advertising accounts.

Mr. Dusenberry, along with his wife, Susan has always been interested in contributing to the arts. His passion for music developed from his unique relationship with his high school choral teacher, Nathaniel George Levine. Mr. Levine was born on January 11, 1898. A native of Brooklyn, Mr. Levine studied music at the Institute of Musical Art, the Munson School of Music, and The Brooklyn Institute of Arts & Sciences.

In 1918, he began his teaching career and was later promoted to Chairman of the Music Department at Midwood High School. Mr. Levine’s choruses have performed at numerous concert halls such as Carnegie Hall and with the NBC Orchestra. In addition, Mr. Levine’s motivation and encouragement led many students to become professional musicians. Known as “The Boss”, Mr. Levine inspired his students, including Philip Dusenberry, through his heartwarming smile and spirit.

Introduced to The Perlman Music Program by board member Morgan Stark and his wife Sidney, Mr. Dusenberry recognized the importance of the Program’s long-term impact on its students.

Through Mr. Dusenberry’s legacy of charity towards the arts, the students of The Perlman Music Program will now receive the same support and passion for music Mr. Levine gave to Philip. The generous gift will offer a yearly scholarship to one worthy student, helping us fulfill our mission to train the next generation of classical music leaders long into the future.

The Perlman Music Program is proud to have the generous support of the Dusenberrys.

Previous: Endowment Fund   |  Next: Planned Gifts and Bequests