Camarades - Winter Vivaldi

Ji Young An, a Lecturer in Violin Performance at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, has established herself as a prominent violinist and educator. Born in Seoul, South Korea, she embarked on her musical journey at the Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris, where she was awarded the Premier Prix in 2007 under the guidance of Olivier Charlier and Joanna Matkowska. An further honed her craft at UCLA, studying with Guillaume Sutre to earn her Master’s and Doctoral degrees, benefiting from the mentorship of violin luminaries such as Maryvonne Le Dizes, Régis Pasquier, Movses Pogossian, and Alexander Treger.

An’s professional contributions are multifaceted, encompassing both orchestral and teaching roles. Since 2013, she has played a crucial role as the Associate Concertmaster of the San Bernardino Symphony and joined the Santa Barbara Symphony in 2014. In 2015, she took on the role of Principal Second Violin with Opera Santa Barbara. Beyond the concert stage, An is recognized for her work as a recording artist, lending her talents to the soundtracks of major films and video games, demonstrating her versatility and reach within the music industry.

Her passion for education shines through her commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. An served as a Visiting Lecturer in Violin at UCLA in 2014, stepping in for Prof. Movses Pogossian during his sabbatical, showcasing her adaptability and dedication to teaching. She continues to influence young artists as a chamber music coach at the Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences and maintains a vibrant private studio, evidencing her commitment to high-quality music education. At UCLA, Ji Young An is celebrated not only for her performance excellence but also for her significant contributions to the academic and practical training of emerging violinists, reinforcing the university’s stature as a hub for musical advancement and education.

Che-Yen Chen, Professor of Viola at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, is an acclaimed violist celebrated for his profound musicality and pedagogical insights. As a founding member of the Formosa Quartet, Chen’s artistry was recognized early in his career when the quartet clinched the First-Prize at the 2006 London International String Quartet Competition. His individual excellence was further highlighted by winning the First-Prize at the 2003 Primrose International Viola Competition, showcasing his nuanced understanding and emotional depth in music, qualities lauded by critics including the San Diego Union Tribune.

Chen’s discography with the Formosa Quartet spans releases on prestigious labels like EMI, Delos, and New World Records, contributing to the global classical music landscape. Their upcoming project, “From Hungary to Taiwan,” anticipates release with Bridge Records, demonstrating Chen’s commitment to exploring and bridging diverse musical traditions.

Beyond his chamber music achievements, Chen has held principal violist positions with the San Diego Symphony and Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra, and has collaborated as guest principal with leading orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony. His extensive chamber music festival appearances across North America and Asia underline his versatility and dedication to the genre.

Chen’s educational pursuits are as notable as his performance career. Before his tenure at UCLA, he enriched the faculties of USC, UCSD, SDSU, and CSU Fullerton, impacting a wide range of students through his teaching and master classes. His cofounding of the Formosa Chamber Music Festival, Taiwan’s first intensive chamber music training program, highlights his passion for nurturing the next generation of musicians, blending high-caliber performance with comprehensive education. At UCLA, Chen continues to inspire students with his deep musical insights and collaborative spirit, furthering his distinguished career as a performer and educator.

Ben Hong, esteemed cellist and Associate Principal Cello of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2015, is celebrated for his exceptional talent both as a soloist and chamber musician. Appointed by Music Director Gustavo Dudamel, Hong’s career with the LA Phil began in 1993 when he joined as Assistant Principal Cello at the age of 24. His collaborations span eminent artists like Emanuel Ax and Yefim Bronfman, and he has been featured in significant concerto appearances, including the U.S. premiere of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s cello concerto Kai and the LA Phil premiere of Tan Dun’s Crouching Tiger Concerto.

Hong’s influence extends into the cinematic world, where in 2009, he trained cast members, including Jamie Foxx, for DreamWorks Pictures’ The Soloist, also serving as the soundtrack’s featured soloist. This album, showcasing his versatility and reach, was released on the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label. Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, where he was a three-time winner of the National Cello Competition, Hong’s journey in music led him to the Juilliard School at 13. His studies continued under Lynn Harrell at the University of Southern California’s School of Music, paving the way for his notable career with the LA Phil.

Beyond his orchestral achievements, Hong is deeply committed to education. He joined the USC Thornton School of Music faculty in 2012 as an Adjunct Professor and frequently conducts clinics and master classes worldwide. In addition to his role at USC, Ben Hong also instructs cello performance at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.

Varty Manouelian, a renowned violinist and dedicated educator, serves as a Lecturer of Violin Performance at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, and is a distinguished member of the LA Philharmonic. Her illustrious career was propelled forward following her American debut with the North Carolina Symphony in 1993 as the First Prize winner of the Bryan International Competition. Manouelian has garnered accolades across Europe, securing prizes at the Kotzian International and Wieniawski International Violin Competitions, among others.

Her performances span the globe, featuring solo appearances with orchestras in the United States, Europe, and Armenia. As a chamber musician, Manouelian has graced stages at prestigious festivals such as Marlboro and Apple Hill, collaborating with eminent artists like Joshua Bell and Yuja Wang. Her contributions to chamber music extend into her teaching roles at the Colburn Academy and CSPA, where she imparts her vast knowledge to young musicians.

Manouelian’s commitment to music education is evident through her involvement in the LA Philharmonic’s Music Outreach programs, including significant contributions to YOLA and the Renaissance Arts Academy. Before her tenure with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, she enriched the Detroit Symphony Orchestra with her talents.

Her discography is extensive, with recordings that have been acclaimed internationally, including a CD of Stefan Wolpe’s Complete Violin Works that was listed in the 2015 Top Ten by the Sunday Times (UK). Holding degrees from the State Music Academy in Bulgaria and the Cleveland Institute of Music, Manouelian’s educational and performance background underscores her pivotal role at UCLA, fostering a new generation of musicians and enriching the musical landscape with her expertise and passion.

Yoshika Masuda, celebrated for his profound musicality and described as “one of the finest cellists of his generation” (Chopin magazine Japan), has established a distinguished international career as both a soloist and a chamber musician. Masuda, a winner of national competitions across Australia, Japan, and the U.S., has also been honored with the YAMAHA Music Foundation of Europe String Award, underscoring his exceptional talent and dedication to music.

At the heart of Masuda’s musical journey is chamber music, performing with luminaries like Peter Frankl and Gil Kalish, and co-founding the SAKURA cello quintet. His tenure with the Rolston Quartet saw him touring extensively, contributing to his reputation as a dynamic chamber musician. Masuda’s commitment to contemporary music has led him to premiere works by composers such as Toshio Hosokawa and Jörg Widmann, showcasing his versatility and forward-thinking approach.

Beyond the classical realm, Masuda has collaborated with mainstream artists like Ben Folds and is featured on Leonard Cohen’s last album, “You Want It Darker,” demonstrating his wide-ranging musical interests. Educated at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music, where he graduated with distinction, Masuda further honed his skills under the guidance of renowned cellists Ralph Kirshbaum and David Geringas. He completed his D.M.A. at the USC Thornton School of Music, where he received accolades for his
outstanding achievement.

Dedicated to education, Masuda’s students have excelled in competitions and gained admission to prestigious conservatories. While currently serving as Assistant Professor of Cello and Director of String Studies at Chapman University, Masuda also imparts his expertise to students at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.

Movses Pogossian, Distinguished Professor of Violin at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, is a celebrated violinist recognized for his dynamic performances and deep musical insight. Having made his American debut with the Boston Pops in 1990, Pogossian’s career has flourished with performances across the globe, including notable orchestras in Germany, Poland, the United States, and beyond. A prizewinner of the Tchaikovsky International Competition and the youngest-ever winner of the USSR National Violin Competition, his virtuosity is acknowledged worldwide.

Pogossian’s dedication to chamber music has led him to collaborate with esteemed artists and ensembles, affirming his reputation as a versatile and passionate chamber musician. He is the Artistic Director of the Dilijan Chamber Music Series, celebrated for its innovative programming and emphasis on new music, now in its fifteenth season. His commitment to contemporary repertoire is evident through his premieres of over 80 works, working closely with composers such as G. Kurtág and K. Saariaho.

As an educator, Pogossian’s influence extends beyond performance. He has nurtured talents at several prestigious institutions before his tenure at UCLA, where he also founded and advises the Armenian Music Program. His discography includes critically acclaimed recordings that showcase a broad musical range, from Bach to modern composers like Tigran Mansurian.

Beyond his musical achievements, Pogossian participates in the Music for Food project, leveraging music as a force for social change. His role at UCLA not only highlights his exceptional musicianship and scholarly contributions but also underscores his commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians and using art to address broader societal issues.

Aidan Woodruff, Cello, a member of UCLA’s Cello Studio, studies under the direction of Sarah Koo and Yoshika Masuda.

Annabelle Lo, grew up in Los Altos, California. She started her musical journey with piano at age 5 and started cello at age 9. Currently she is studying Music Education and is studying cello with Yoshika Masuda in the UCLA cello studio.

Erin Tsui, from California is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance under the tutelage of Movses Pogossian and Ji Young An, and a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science at UCLA. She has won numerous awards in competitions such as the US Open Music Competition, Korean American Music Supporters Association Music Competition, and Junior Bach Festival. Having previously played in the California Youth Symphony, Korean American Music Supporters Association Orchestra, California All-State Symphony Orchestra, East Bay Chamber Music Festival, and attended the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Institute at the Kennedy Center, she desires to pursue a career in orchestral music and explore new colors and mediums in which an ensemble can create sound. Outside of the practice room, Erin enjoys understanding how others express themselves creatively through reading and discovering new films to watch.

Cello, a member of UCLA’s Cello Studio, studies under the direction of Ben Hong.

James Renk, grew up in a musical family. His parents are clarinetists in the San Diego Symphony, inspiring him and his brother to also pursue music. With the choice of the violin, he pursued music as a passion at the age of 7. He eventually switched to viola at the age of 12 because he found the rich and darker tone more appealing. He studied with the principal violist of the San Diego Symphony, Chi-Yuan Chen, for many years. He eventually chose to go to UCLA because he wanted to study with the renowned violist Brian Chen. Studying music has been part of his entire life, having many opportunities to perform in youth orchestras and chamber music competitions over the years. As he continues to pursue music, he strives to become a professional musician in a major orchestra or become a touring chamber musician.

Jason Chen, Presently, Jason is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music at the University of California Los Angeles. He currently studies the violin under Professors Movses Pogossian and Professor Ji Young An and is part of the UCLA Philharmonia Orchestra. In the past, he was the concertmaster of the Glendale Youth Orchestra and garnered top prizes in esteemed competitions like the Great Composers Competition, the US New Star International Strings Competition, the Tiziano Rossetti International Music Competition, Beethoven Young Musician International Competition, and the New York International Classical Music Competition.

Beyond his musical pursuits, Jason also plays a role as an arts administrator in the Back to Bach Project. As regional director of the San Fernando Valley branch, he holds tri-annual meetings to propose and discuss ideas for video production projects. Utilizing his skills, he edits and produces three projects yearly using iMovie, exploring diverse topics such as Music in the Baroque Era, The Orchestra, Music in the Contemporary Era, and Music in the Impressionistic Era. Jason is also the president of SCV Musicteers, a club passionate about bringing classical music to the community, performing monthly concerts in senior residencies. He hopes his arts administrative work can
help make the arts accessible to the greater community.

Johannes Eberhart, is a first year Music Education Major at UCLA currently studying violin under Movses Pogossian and Varty Manouelian. Johannes comes from Rancho Palos Verdes and began studying violin in the 4th grade through his elementary school’s music program. Since then, he has been assistant principal second violin in the Interlochen World Youth Symphony Orchestra under the batons of Christian Măcelaru and Roderick Cox, has participated in the SCSBOA Honor Orchestra, and has studied chamber music in the Colburn Community School of the Performing Arts under the coaching of violist Katherine Vincent.

In addition to the violin, he has a passion for conducting, currently studying with Dean Anderson and receiving guidance from Professor Neal Stulberg. Johannes has conducted the Palos Verdes High School Chamber Orchestra in several concerts, was music director for shows such as “Something Rotten” and “Peter and the Starcatcher”, and has conducted the Northern Illinois University Philharmonic Orchestra in a recent orchestral conducting symposium.

In additional areas, Johannes has studied jazz piano for several years and is very passionate about teaching, having taught violin and piano to several young students as well as working as a teaching assistant for the Amuse String Chamber Orchestra. He is very happy to be refining his understanding of music pedagogy and improving as a teacher under Dr. Lily Chen- Hafteck. Johannes is eager to hone his skills as a violinist, conductor, and educator, and is very happy to playing in the 2024 Vivaldi Concert. He hopes you enjoy!

Leon Cho, is a first year Cello Performance Major at UCLA. Leon grew up in Irvine and have been studying Cello since the age of 7. Their background is filled with classical music as both of their siblings as well as their father all play a classical instrument. Leon is currently studying with Professor Koo as well as Professor Yoshika here at the UCLA Cello Studio. In the past Leon has participated in multiple music ensembles such as All State orchestra and JCM trio. They have also competed and achieved awards in multiple competitions such as ASTA (American String Teachers Association) as well as the Satori Summer Music festival.

Leon Simmans, Bass, a member of UCLA’s Bass Studio, studies under the direction of Chris Hanulik.

Mana Tatsuki, is a freshman at the University of Los Angeles pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance under the tutelage of Movses Pogossian and Varty Manouelian while also studying a Bachelor of Science in Physiological Sciences. Former music mentors include Jin-Shan Dai, Peter Marsh, Hana Kim, Martin Chalifour, Moni Simeonov, Dr. Mathew Ward, and Dr. Sakura Tsai.

As an experienced advocate for stage productions, Mana was a member of the L.A. Opera’s featured production of “On Gold Mountain” and recently won a seat with the California Young Artists Symphony. Her dedication and responsibilities as Assistant to the Music Director for gala, musical, ballet, and opera productions have informed her appreciation for all performing arts.

As a graduate of the California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley, Mana was a lauded leader in the Strings and Orchestra Program and Instrumental Music Conservatory where she acted as concertmaster of the CSArts-SGV orchestras and performed in the flagship chamber ensemble during her tenure. Mana has previously attended numerous summer programs including Interlochen Arts Camp Boston
University Tanglewood Institute’s Violin Workshop—Young Artists Orchestra program where she served
as assistant principal second violin.

With her colleagues, Mana also co-founded the non-profit organization group ARCK Chamber, which performs in hospitals and retirement centers and provides immersive musical experiences to those who have limited access to live classical performances.

Nathan Robinson, is a freshman violinist studying with Movses Pogossian and Ji Young An, and he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Violin performance. He loves ensemble playing, especially chamber music, which his previous teacher introduced him to in his junior year of high school. Nathan grew up in San Diego and began playing at seven. After taking a several-year hiatus due to adversity to the instrument, he picked up violin again in his freshman year of high school, where he studied at San Diego Music Academy with Paul Wang. Nathan’s goal with his playing is to perform an interpretation he believes encapsulates the true spirit and potential of the piece, while also pleasing the audience.

Naohiro Nadahara, is currently a student at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, pursuing a Cello Performance BM under the guidance of Dr. Yoshika Masuda. With just over ten years on the instrument, he has enjoyed a wide spread of classical opportunities — from solo opportunities in the Cantus International Music Festival in Vienna to orchestral opportunities with the American Youth Symphony — that have only solidified his love and motivation in the music world.

Outside of the cello, Nao enjoys composition, the nerdy sciences, playing Phil soccer, Star Wars, and enjoying his first year at UCLA.

Sarah Clark, a cellist (18), is a freshman at UCLA pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music performance. She is currently studying with Sarah Koo after having studied with LA Philharmonic cellist, Jonathan Karoly, for 5 years. She has also worked with Joon Sung Jun, David Garrett, Kyle Champion, and Antonio Lysy in the past via master classes and/or lessons, etc.

Originally from Maryland, she began her studies at age 6, wanting to be a professional from the start. She performed in high school ensembles as the youngest member, including the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra at age 8 and Maryland Youth Symphony Orchestra at age 9.

After moving to California, Sarah auditioned for California School of the Arts–SGV (CSArts) and was a student there for 8th-12th grade. Throughout high school, Sarah gained a significant amount of leadership experience, holding numerous principal positions such as Co-Principal in the SCSBOA All-Southern California High School Honor Orchestra 2020, Principal in the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra-Philharmonic, and in the CSArts Symphonia and Philharmonic orchestras. She also held the title of Assistant Director via the Dragon Kim Foundation and dedicated hours to the program as a student teacher, teaching children music alongside her peers.

Besides orchestral ensembles, Sarah has shown interest in other areas of performance by participating in the musicals Newsies, Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Working as a pit orchestra member and the Pasadena Conservatory of Music chamber program and chamber summer intensive (2022). Sarah recently debuted as a soloist as well, performing the Lalo Concerto in D minor, 1st movement with the Pasadena Summer Youth Chamber Orchestra and the World Mission University Orchestra in 2023. Sarah has always been interested in exposing herself to new musical experiences and aims to continue improving and diversifying herself as a performer for her future career.