Dr. Rufus Choi, Steinway Artist
Dr. Rufus Choi, Korean-American pianist, finds the world his stage and the concert hall platform his home in performances to sold-out houses, where critics and audiences acclaim his artistry as musician and keyboard wizard. New York venues inckude Lincoln Center and Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall. In other parts of the international music scene Choi has been highly visible in performances at the Salzburg Festival, Sejong Hall (South Korea) and Seoul Arts Center as well as the Los Angeles Music Center and Pasadena Ambassador Auditorium, to name a few. Choi is a graduate of the Juilliard School (BM, MM) and the Soloklassen, which is the highest degree attainable, at the Musik Hochschule in Hannover, Germany. In addition to his passion for performing, Mr. Choi also believes that an essential part of being a musician is sharing his knowledge with students who love music.
Dr. Gene Chung, Conductor
Dr. Chung earned his doctoral degree in music from Claremont Graduate University, majoring in Orchestral Conducting. Before his journey into music, he majored in theology at Methodist Theological Seminary in Korea. In pursuit of his music ministry goal, he continued his studies at the Graduate Schools of Yonsei University and California State University, Los Angeles. He has been serving as music director of Wesley Youth Orchestra since 2003, orchestra director of Pasadena Christian School since 2011, and pastor of Charles Wesley Ministries. Dr. Chung’s lifetime project is to share the vision from Psalm 150 with generations to come by helping more children to learn instruments well in order to enrich their lives and to bring glory and honor to God.
Jennise Hwang, Violinist
Jennise Hwang is the Assistant Principal Second Violin of Pacific Symphony. Originally from Los Angeles, she began her musical training at the Colburn School of Performing Arts. She received her Bachelor of Music degree at Northwestern University and Master of Music degree at the New England Conservatory. She performed as a soloist and chamber musician, furthermore, she brings a wealth of experience of curating and performing concerts for senior centers and memory care facilities and is passionate about engaging these communities through music.
Dr. Jen Zeng, Educator
A mom of two beautiful girls 24/7, and a part-time Chinese teacher for High School World Language Credit Program, a lifelong learner and devoted lover in Classical music. Jen earned her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Louis University; MA in Adult and Higher Education from University of South Dakota. She has also successfully completed the Independent Educational consultant Certificate Program from University of California Irvine. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music (Classical KUSC is her favorite radio station), watching the girls playing piano and learning to play herself. She also loves reading and cooking.
Hannah Zhao, Advising Member
Hannah is currently a rising junior at Northwestern University, pursuing a dual degree in Violin Performance and Statistics. Hannah was born and raised in California and has passionately been involved in community service since a very young age. She envisions a community where the young and the aged come together through casual performances or events to form novel bonds, connections, and even friendships. Only then, will the small community around her become "whole". Whether it is in her violin performances or the coordination of charity events, her ultimate goal is to bring glory to God and be used by him as a minister of blessings.
Helaine Zhao, Advising Member
Helaine is currently a freshman at Harvard University, pursuing economics and statistics concentrations. She has always been deeply passionate about serving her community, whether running her community cookie business or leading her high school's student body group. She strives to give back to her community and grow her heart as she continues to serve in college. Her goal is to steward all her blessings, talents, and abilities so that she can leave a meaningful mark on the world. Her heart for the community stems from all that she's been given as a student growing up, and she hopes to continue inspiring and serving as a role model for the new generation on what it means to become a thoughtful, grateful, and generous member of society.