Program
Overture to Dichter und Bauer (Poet and Peasant)
Celine Ong, guest conductor
Franz von Suppé (1819–1895)
Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30 Sergei Rachmaninoff
I. Allegro ma non tanto (1873-1943)
Kevin Bird, pianist Winner of the 2026 CBU Concerto/Aria Competition
Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61
Intermission
Robert Schumann
I. Sostenuto assai – Allegro ma non troppo (1810-1856)
II. Scherzo: Allegro vivace
III. Adagio espressivo
IV. Allegro molto vivace
Biographies
Recognized on four continents, maestro Gene Moon has earned international acclaim as a conductor whose artistry bridges cultures and inspires audiences worldwide. His career has taken him to podiums in the United States, Asia, and South America, leading distinguished ensembles including the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional in the Dominican Republic, the Saigon Philharmonic in Vietnam, the Orquesta Filarmónica de Medellín in Colombia, the Gangnam Symphony Orchestra in Korea, and orchestras across Macau, Hong Kong, China, Korea, and Vietnam. His global presence has solidified his reputation as a versatile maestro sought after for both symphonic and operatic performances.
Dr. Moon serves as Director of Orchestral Studies for the Collinsworth School of Performing Arts at California Baptist University, where he leads the artistic and educational vision of the orchestral program. Under his direction, the CBU Symphony Orchestra presents performances spanning symphonic masterworks, opera, and musical theatre, providing students with professional-level experiences that integrate artistry, pedagogy, and outreach. Additionally, he serves as conductor of the Riverside City College Symphony Orchestra, the premier community college orchestra program in Southern California.
A passionate advocate for music education, Dr. Moon is in constant demand as a guest conductor and clinician, having led All-State orchestras in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and beyond, as well as national events including the ASTA National Orchestra Festival. His summer posts have included Resident Conductor at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival and the Chloé Trevor Music Academy. Deeply committed to developing young musicians, he has established enduring pathways for youth orchestras throughout the United States
Previously, Dr. Moon held leadership roles as Director of Orchestral Activities at Stephen F. Austin State University, Artistic Director of the East Texas Youth Orchestras, and Music Director of the Longview Symphony Orchestra. His earlier teaching appointments include the University of Central Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma, and the Mid-Del School District, along with his tenure as Music Director of the Oklahoma Youth Symphonies.
As the newly appointed Music Director of Love in Music, Dr. Moon continues to champion music’s power to unite communities and cultivate artistic excellence. Through his work as conductor, educator, and mentor, he exemplifies a career that seamlessly unites performance, education, and international collaboration continuing to inspire audiences and musicians across generations.
Kevin Bird is a rising pianist from Southern California, passionate about artistic excellence and committed to sharing his music with others. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with a concentration in Piano Pedagogy at California Baptist Univers ity. There, Kevin studies under the renowned pianist Dr. Andres Jaramillo. Kevin has performed in a variety of solo and chamber settings throughout his career, and he continues to perform with his university ’ s Symphony Orchestra, Collegium Musicum, and Chamber Ensemble. As a collaborative pianist, Kevin is well-experienced. He has collaborated with several vocalists and instrumentalists in California. Kevin also serves as the rehearsal pianist for California Baptist University ’ s opera productions. In addition to performing, Kevin maintains a private piano studio, teaching students both in person and online. He is passionate about teaching music to others, cultivating a deeper appreciation for classical music within the community.
Celine Ong is a versatile conductor, violinist, and pianist whose artistry is shaped by a passion for collaboration and musical expression. She is currently pursuing her Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting at California Baptist University under the mentorship of Dr. Gene Moon, after earning her Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Violin Performance with a concentration in Piano Pedagogy in 2024. Her conducting journey began at the age of fifteen under Professor Lim Soon Lay of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, an early experience that inspired her lifelong dedication to leadership on the podium. In 2024, she expanded her training through a workshop in Hong Kong under the guidance of world-class conductor Wilson Ng. This summer, she had the privilege of conducting two new music ensembles at the Brevard Music Festival in North Carolina, where she premiered works by emerging composers. At CBU, she has conducted the Symphony Orchestra, the musical theatre's production of Little Women, and the Summer Strings Camp. She found Laure Sinfonietta in 2024, an ensemble devoted to innovation and artistic connection.
Flutes
