2008 Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service dedicated to the
Founders, Presidents, and Easter Sunrise Service Guild

The Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service has a rich history and a great tradition that has been carried on throughout the years by a number of dedicated individuals and community leaders since 1919 and 1921 from the Hollywood Bowl.

Artie Mason Carter was President of the Hollywood Sing and founder of the Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service in 1921. She is known as the “Mother of the Bowl.” The success of the first Easter Sunrise Service prompted Mrs. Carter to launch a series of summer concerts at the Bowl, creating the Symphonies Under the Stars program.

Mrs. Leiland Atherton Irish was a tireless Hollywood Bowl supporter and patron of the arts who dedicated many years of service as President of the Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service. Mrs. Irish introduced the reading of “The Master Is Coming” to the Service, a tradition that continues to this day and is read by a Hollywood celebrity.

Otto K. Olesen, inventor of the Klieg light system, was the Bowl’s technical director for many years and was President of the Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service, Inc. for 17 years. George Eastman, who founded Eastman Kodak, was also a Board member.

Jim Corchoran, President of the Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service during the early 1970s, was a vital force in the Easter Sunrise Service. His wife, Anne D. Corchoran, founded the Easter Sunrise Service Guild in March 1974. The Guild is an important fundraising arm for the Easter Sunrise Service. Madame Kathryn Etienne was a world-renowned ballet teacher who taught many celebrities including Mitzi Gaynor, Vera Ellen, Virginia Mayo, and Gail Storm. She served as the Easter Sunrise Service Guild President for many years. For the past 9 years, Knarig Boyadjian has been the President of the Guild and has given an Easter poem reading.

Budd Paul Herrmann, a well-known pianist, was President of the Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service from 1974-1985. He began a tradition of service in his family that has lasted for over 60 years. Bill Lyons served on the Lily and Program Committees before becoming President from 1986-1989 and again from 1991-1992.

Violet Parkhurst was a member of the Advisory Board before taking over as President in 1990. She is an internationally acclaimed artist who designed the cover art for the Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service that has been used since 1987. John Ruppert served on numerous committees before becoming President from 1993-1999, including the Ticket Committee and the Ushers, Collection & Program Sales. He is also a Vice President of the Easter Sunrise Service Guild.

Trina Herrmann-Boychenko became President from 2000-2001. She began her involvement with the Service at the age of 5 when she sang in the Living Cross as a child. She conducted the Brass Choir for many years and even met her husband Erwin Boychenko at the Service. Their two daughters, Natasha & Erika, now sing in the Living Cross.

Norma Foster is the current President of HBESS. She began working on the Easter Service in 1984 and produced the Service starting in 1987 and continuing through this year, except for 1991 and 1992. She was nominated for an Emmy Award for the 1990 Easter Sunrise Service and has received two Angel Awards presented by Religion in Media. As a Board member she has served as Vice President, Secretary, and Parliamentarian over the years. By profession she is an international stage, film and television award winning producer and President of her public relations company.

The book “History of the Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service,” a fascinating and uplifting look at the development of the World’s Most Famous Easter Sunrise Service, is available for purchase at this years Easter Sunrise Service. It was co-written by Steven Ireland and Norma Foster. You may also order a copy by calling (323) 463-7111