Camarades Winter Quarter Concert

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.