Famous "Red Violin" Performance Supports UCLA Division of Digestive Diseases

Famous "Red Violin" Performance Supports UCLA Division of Digestive Diseases

Paula Kent Meehan, Candy Spelling and Barbara Davis Co-Host Event

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Celebrated violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn performed with the legendary "Red Violin" during an intimate event held September 18 to support the UCLA Division of Digestive Diseases. The afternoon affair was held in the Japanese Garden at the Beverly Hill's residence of entrepreneur and philanthropist Mrs. Paula Kent Meehan who co-founded the Redken hair products company. The event was co-hosted by philanthropists Mrs. Barbara Davis and Mrs. Candy Spelling.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110920/DC71840)

Tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf and movie and television actress Sela Ward also attended. Dr. Gary Gitnick, chief of the UCLA Division of Digestive Disease and Dr. Eric Esrailian, vice-chief of the division, presented an overview about the division's leading research and clinical offerings. Guests attended and enjoyed the musical performance, wine and hors d'oeuvres in a tranquil garden setting featuring a traditional Japanese tea house, pavilion, koi pond and Noh theatre.

Pitcairn performs in partnership with one of the world's most legendary instruments, the "Red Mendelssohn" Stradivarius violin, which was crafted in 1720 and is said to have inspired the Academy Award-winning film, "The Red Violin."

The UCLA Division of Digestive Diseases is a world leader in diagnosis, treatment, and research. The division is home to nearly 80 faculty physicians and scientists, each with a specific area of expertise in basic science and/or clinical research and treatment. The fellowship program includes some of the brightest and most talented group of young physician-scientists in the country. The Division continues to be rated "Best in the Western United States" and is ranked six among digestive diseases centers in the United States by the most recent survey of the U.S. News & World Report.

SOURCE UCLA Division of Digestive Diseases

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110920/DC71840
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
UCLA Division of Digestive Diseases

CONTACT: Rachel Champeau, +1-310-794-2270, rchampeau@mednet.ucla.edu

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