Friday, February 7, 2025 | 7PM
Performing
Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra:
PROGRAM
MICHAEL MCLEAN
Tango
Violin: Vikram Venkateswaran, Logan Nguyen, Faris Radieddine
GIOVANNI BOTTESINI
Elegia No. 1 in C Major
Bass: Luke Kesoglou
Piano: Naomi Cheng
FREDERIC CHOPIN
Fantaisie Impromptu Op. 66
Piano: Lisa Liang
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
Sonata No. 1 in G minor
Violin: Saoirse Murray
VINCENZO MONTI
Czardas, D Major
Bass: Seth Martin
PETER MARTIN
Quartet for Four Violins
CalPoly Pomona
Violin I: Josue Ramirez
Violin II: Otto Saiki
Violin II: Kyle Chao
Violin IV: Daniel Wang
PROGRAM
TIM RICE & ELTON JOHN
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
Arr. Tine De Cleene & Lucy Contino
Voice: Rebeca Barahona Espinosa
Violin: Nishka Harish
Piano: Lucy Contino
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, 1st Mov.
Violin: Saoirse Murray & Daphne Karr
Viola: Sophie Padilla
Bass: Luke Kesoglou
INTERMISSION
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
Quartet No. 4 in C Major K.157
CalPoly Pomona
Violin I: Mia Rodriguez
Violin II: Daniel Wang
Viola: Julian Gonzalez
Cello: David Tu
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF
Concerto No. 2
Piano: Anika Chandran
PROGRAM
ALAN MENKEN
Highlights from Beauty and the Beast
Arr. Calvin Custer
Violin: Liliana Flores, Emily Salisbury, Lana Pholkosol, Ezequiel Lucas Cortez
Viola: Darian Alavi & Zoe Lee
Cello: Roy Bronola & Evelyn Clasquin
Bass: Sophie Padilla
MITSKI MIYAWAKI
Heaven
Arr. Ayan Gursahani
Voice: Josie Cook
Violin: Saoirse Murray & Vikram Venkateswaran
Viola: Kayla Borlasa
Cello: Ayan Gursahani
Bass: Luke Kesoglou
KIYOSHI YOSHIDA
Big Fish
Piano: Shana Hu
ANTONIN DVORAK
Terzetto in C, Op. 74
CalPoly Pomona
Violin I: Leonard Woo
Violin II: Otto Saiki
Viola: Bryan Ramillano
PROGRAM
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
Aliso Niguel High School Chamber Orchestra
CalPoly Pomona
All Musicians
Violin I: Dr. Christine Song, Daniel Wang, Josue Ramirez, Kyle Chao, John Kim, Emily Salisbury, Daphne Karr, Saoirse Murray, Zeke Lucas, Madelynne Tetley
Violin II: Mia Rodriguez, Holly Kyle, Jacqueline Lopez, Shana Hu, Liliana Flores, Maya Jackson, Vikram Venkateswaran, Lana Pholkosol, Atrisa Taghizadeh, Katelyn Besmonte
Violin III: Edward Lau, Otto Saiki, Damaris Alfaro, Celeste Velasco, Cameron Matloubi, Olive Kim, Sonya Del Real, Ananya Kota, Liam Scherer, Nishka Harish
Viola I: Bryan Ramillano, Celina Huo
Viola II: Julian R. Gonzalez, Jayleen Lam, Lucy Contino
Viola III: Leonard Woo, Darian Alavi, Zoe Lee
Cello I: Armaan Williamson, Rebecca Chiu, Ayan Gursahani, Evelyn Calsquin, Alex Morales, Mr. Chen
Cello II: Sydney Duong, Hannah Oh, Ashley Chang, Nathan Wood
Cello III: David Tu, Abby Lee, Rishi Bhushan, Roy Bronola
Bass: Luke Kesoglou, Ryan Kim, Seth Martin, Jeremiah Clasen, Sophie Padilla
Harp: Madison Arrula
ALISO NIGUEL HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
The Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra program is a distinguished and dynamic ensemble committed to musical excellence, artistic expression, and community engagement. Under the dedicated leadership of Director Jonathan Chen, the program has flourished, providing students with exceptional opportunities to develop their musicianship, leadership, and collaborative skills. With over 90 students, the program features four ensembles—two string orchestras, one advanced orchestra, and a chamber orchestra—each designed to challenge and inspire young musicians at varying levels of proficiency.
Renowned for its high-caliber performances, the Aliso Niguel Orchestra has had the privilege of showcasing its talents in prestigious venues, including the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Soka University Performing Arts Center. These opportunities allow students to perform in professional settings, fostering confidence, artistry, and a deep appreciation for orchestral music. Beyond concerts, the orchestra actively participates in festivals, adjudicated performances, and community
Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra
outreach events, further strengthening its impact within and beyond the school. A hallmark of the program is its strong sense of community, where students find a second family among their fellow musicians. The orchestra cultivates an environment that emphasizes camaraderie, discipline, and mutual respect, encouraging students to grow not only as musicians but also as individuals. Through mentorship, section leadership, and collaborative rehearsals, students develop essential life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and professionalism. This year, the orchestra is honored to participate in the 12th Annual Philharmonic Invitational High School Orchestra Festival at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, a prestigious event that highlights the extraordinary talents of young musicians across Orange County. This festival serves as a testament to the program’s ongoing dedication to musical excellence and education. The continued success of the Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra is made possible through the unwavering support of the Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra Boosters (ANHSOB). Established in the 2022-2023 school year, the Boosters play a crucial role in fundraising,
organizing events, and providing resources that enrich the student experience. Their commitment ensures that students have access to masterclasses, field trips, competitions, and collaborative performances, enhancing their artistic journey. With a steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and artistic integrity, the Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra continues to inspire the next generation of musicians. Through their shared passion for music, students create unforgettable experiences, form lasting friendships, and contribute to the vibrant performing arts landscape of their community.
ANHS ORCHESTRA BOOSTER: HARMONY IN ACTION
The Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra Booster (ANHSOB) stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit of the parents affiliated with the Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra program. Founded in the 2022-2023 school year by a passionate group of founding members despite welcoming a new director, our organization embodies the ethos of parental involvement and community support.
At the core of our mission is the steadfast commitment to supporting our students, the program as a whole, and our esteemed orchestra director, Jonathan Chen. Through tireless fundraising efforts, we ensure that our students have the opportunity to embark on enriching field trips that complement their musical journey. These experiences not only enhance their musical prowess but also foster camaraderie and lifelong memories.
The ANHSOB operates as a dynamic force, actively engaging in various activities to bolster the orchestra program. From organizing events to promoting the music program within our community, our volunteers are integral to the program’s success. Whether it’s capturing precious moments through photography and videography during concerts or providing logistical support during field trips, our volunteers exemplify dedication and passion in every endeavor.
Despite the challenges posed by the current landscape, the ANHSOB continues to thrive, meeting online once a month to strategize and support the orchestra in myriad ways. From orchestrating fundraising initiatives to chaperoning events, our volunteers remain steadfast in their commitment to nurturing the artistic growth of our students.
We firmly believe that a parent booster organization is a cornerstone of strength for any music program, and our involvement is a testament to our unwavering support for our children’s musical education.
One of our recent triumphs was the successful completion of the Orchestra Camp field trip to Camp Cedar Lake in Big Bear. This immersive experience provided our students with the opportunity to refine their musical techniques amidst the picturesque backdrop of nature, all while bonding with their peers through exhilarating activities and snowy adventures.
Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra: Solo & Ensemble Concert
We welcome all parents within the program to join us in any capacity or role, knowing that together, we can create a harmonious environment where our students can flourish and thrive.
In closing, the ANHS Orchestra Booster is not just an organization; it’s a community united by a shared love for music and a dedication to empowering the next generation of musicians. Together, let us continue to orchestrate moments of harmony and inspiration for
our students, ensuring that the melodies of Aliso Niguel High School resonate for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Aliso
Jonathan Chen
Aliso Niguel High School Orchestra Director
Niguel High School Orchestra Booster
ANHS String Orchestra
Aliso Niguel High School: String Showcase
TUESDAY, APR. 22, 2025 | 7PM
Experience the sheer talent and heartfelt performances of student musicians from Aliso Niguel High School, Don Juan Avila Middle School, and Aliso Viejo Middle School at the upcoming String Showcase. Join us for an evening filled with beautiful melodies and captivating harmonies, as these young artists showcase their dedication and passion for music. Come be a part of this inspiring celebration of community and musical excellence. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable night of string performances that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
SOKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
TICKETS & INFORMATION HERE
Our mission is to Engage, Educate, and Elevate the Human Spirit
Soka Performing Arts Center strives to elevate humanity through transcendent experiences. Come experience our exquisite acoustics. Come to expand your understanding and appreciation of music. Come to forge community and emotional connections through the shared experience of live music.
Soka Performing Arts Center is located on the beautiful hilltop campus of Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo. Our facility includes the 1,042seat Concert Hall featuring world-class acoustics designed by master acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota, designer of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and Suntory Hall in Tokyo, among many others. We also have an intimate 350-seat Black Box Theatre that allows for multiple seating configurations including club seating with bistro tables.
More than 750 performances have taken place since the center’s dedication on May 27, 2011. The 2024-25 season marks our thirteenth season presenting first-class programming in our world-class concert hall. We are continuing to expand our programming and outreach with the addition of a Children’s Concert Series and the only Great Pianists Series on the West Coast. From classical and jazz to world and contemporary music, the Soka Performing Arts Center has become a prized space for artists and audiences alike.
We are proud to be the home of the Pacific Symphony Chamber Orchestra. Our Sundays @ Soka Series with Pacific Symphony continues to be one of our most popular series year after year. Our presentations with other Orange County arts organizations have enabled us to reach further into our community to offer arts education and programming. Our partnership with the Philharmonic Society of Orange County includes our PSOC Series, which brings superlative artists to our stage. We also partner with PSOC for our Outreach Program, bringing over 7,000 school children to Soka Performing Arts Center to experience live performances with outstanding musicians.
With its world-class acoustics and first-class performances, Soka Performing Arts Center is quickly becoming one of the cultural jewels of Orange County.
OUR SUPPORTERS
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE ($75,000+)
Dr. Kenneth & Sandra Tokita
Sam* & Lyndie Ersan
CONCERTMASTER ($10,000+)
Ms. Emi Maeda
STAGE CHAMPION ($5000+)
Yoshitomo & Takemi Daido
STAGE BENEFACTOR ($1000+)
Anonymous
OC Chinese Cultural Club
John and Sue Prange
Terumi Saito
Jochen Schumacher
Alex & Sandy Scott
Scott A Shuping
Anson and Marilyn Wong
PLATINUM CLEF ($500+)
Anonymous
Jeffrey Hendrix
Edward D. Jones
Jane A. Lynch
GOLD CLEF ($200+)
Judy Kaufman
Lorraine Leiser
Naomi Uchiyama
SILVER CLEF ($100+)
Renée Bodie
Sam Chang
Masako Inage
Debrah Jiang
Chiharu Nagai
Paul Porto
Thomas Prigorac
Jonia Suri
Joseph Whittaker
BRONZE CLEF ($25+)
Raquel Bruno
Kenneth Hanawa
Ryosuke Iga
Jeannette Pease
Joyce M Wrice
Taro Yamanashi
* Deceased
List current as of 09/26/2024
The Soka Performing Arts Center deeply appreciates the support of its sponsors and donors, and makes every effort to ensure accurate and appropriate recognition. Contact Renée Bodie, General Manager at (949) 480-4821 to make us aware of any error or omission in the foregoing list.
DONATE TO SOKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Your support helps ensure Soka Performing Arts Center fulfills its purpose: to engage, educate, and elevate the human spirit. Your gift supports the programming of world-class performances, provides transformative educational outreach experiences, and opens the opportunity to build engagement with our community by sharing the joy of live music.
Our subscription and renewal program provides you with even more flexibility in our season packages*. With our enhanced program, you now have the power to curate your very own unique experience.
• 15% Discount for a 3 performance package
• 18% Discount for a 4 performance package
• 20% Discount for a 5+ performance package
*full details online at soka.edu/pac
OUR PARTNERS
• Blueport Jazz
• Philharmonic Society of Orange County
• Pacific Symphony
• Parnassus Society
SOKA PAC MANAGEMENT TEAM
Renée Bodie
General Manager & Artistic Director
John Morgan
Box Office Manager
Antoinette Rossman
House Manager/Assistant to the General Manager
Jaime Spataro
Marketing & Communications Manager
Steve Baker
Production Manager
Aadya Agrawal
Stage Manager
Jarmil Maupin
Internal Events Manager
Piano Tuners
Kathy Smith Lead Tuner
Ron Elliott
David Stoneman
David Vanderlip
Website soka.edu/pac
Soka Performing Arts Center resides on the beautiful campus of Soka University of America. We thank the SUA Board of Trustees and the SUA Leadership Council for all of their support.
SUA BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Stephen S. Dunham, JD | CHAIR
Vice President and General Counsel Emeritus, Pennsylvania State University | Baltimore, Maryland
Tariq Hasan, PhD | VICE CHAIR
Chief Executive Officer, SGI-USA | New York, New York
Andrea Bartoli, PhD
President, Sant’Egidio Foundation for Peace and Dialogue | New York, New York
Matilda Buck
Benefactor | Los Angeles, California
Lawrence E. Carter, Sr, PhD, DD, DH, DRS
Dean, Professor of Religion, College Archivist and Curator, Morehouse College | Atlanta, Georgia
Andy Firoved
CEO, HOTB Software | Irvine, California
Jason Goulah, PhD
Professor of Bilingual-Bicultural Education and Director, Institute for Daisaku Ikeda Studies in Education, Director of Programs in Bilingual-Bicultural Education, World Language Education, and Value-Creating Education for Global Citizenship, College of Education, DePaul University | Chicago, Illinois
Clothilde V. Hewlett, JD
Commissioner of Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, State of California | San Francisco, California
Karen Lewis, PhD
Sondheimer Professor of International Finance and Co-Director, Weiss Center for International Financial Research, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Luis Nieves
Founder, Chairman Emeritus AUL Corp, Benefactor | Napa, California
Isabel Nuñez, PhD, MPhil, JD
Professor of Educational Studies, Dean of School of Education, Purdue University Fort Wayne | Fort Wayne, Indiana
Gene Marie O’Connell, RN, MS
Health Care Consultant, Associate Clinical Professor, University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing | Corte Madera, California
Adin Strauss
General Director, Soka Gakkai International-USA | Santa Monica, California
Yoshiki Tanigawa
Benefactor, Soka Gakkai | Tokyo, Japan
Gregg S. Wolpert
Co-president, The Stahl Organization | New York, New York
Edward M. Feasel, PhD
President, Soka University of America (ex-officio member) | Aliso Viejo, California
Edward M. Feasel, PhD
President
Chief Academic Officer
Professor of Economics
Archibald E. Asawa
Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Investment Officer
Katherine M. King, PHR
Executive Vice President of University
Community
Chief Human Resources Officer
Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator for Faculty, Staff and Others
Michael Weiner, PhD
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Professor of East Asian History & International Studies
Bryan E. Penprase, PhD
Vice President for Sponsored Research and External Academic Relations Professor of Physics and Astronomy
Tomoko Takahashi, PhD, EdD, LHD
Vice President for Institutional Research and Assessment
Dean of the Graduate School Professor of Linguistics and Education
David Welch, JD Vice President University Counsel
M. Robert Hamersley, PhD Dean of Faculty Professor of Environmental Biogeochemistry
Hyon J. Moon, EdD Dean of Students
Title IX and Section 504 Deputy Coordinator for Students
Michelle Hobby-Mears, MBA Associate Dean of Students Director of Student Activities
Andrew Woolsey, EdD Dean of Enrollment Services
Martin Beck, MA
Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications