Jung-Ho Pak SDYAS Artistic Advisor Described by the New York Times as a conductor who "radiates enthusiasm" and the Los Angeles Times as "a real grabber", Jung-Ho Pak is known for his unique vision of the role of classical music. Orchestra Nova San Diego appointed Mr. Pak as Artistic Director and Conductor in 2006, and in 2007 he was named Artistic Director and Conductor of the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra (second largest in Massachusetts to the Boston Symphony Orchestra). Since 2003, he has been Director of Orchestras and Music Director of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra and at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Mr. Pak is also Music Director Emeritus of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. As Music Director of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra (1997-2002), Mr. Pak led the orchestra from bankruptcy to an unprecedented financial success. As a nationally recognized educator, he served as Music Director with the University of Southern California (USC) Symphony and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Orchestra. He has also served as Principal Conductor of the Emmy-nominated Disney Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra and as Music Director of the Debut Orchestra, International Chamber Orchestra, NEXT Chamber Orchestra, Colburn Chamber Orchestra, and Diablo Ballet. Guest conducting has taken him to Europe, the Soviet Union, South America and Asia. Mr. Pak is a frequent speaker on television and radio, as well as a clinician and conductor at national music festivals. "I think it was a great thing to have someone so experienced conduct us. Mr. Pak helped us learn to watch each other and the conductor at the same time so we could play as one, tight orchestra." -- Faith Campbell, Age 9
I was amazed to learn so much about the responsibilities of being a concert master I will try to use everything Maestro Pak said in my role as concert master at my middle school orchestra. It is also very exciting to see how quickly he improved our sound with small but important changes in our technique. -- Cameron Wirtz, Age 14
I'm proud to be able to contribute in a small way to the remarkable success and growth of the Young Artists Symphony. Under the artistic leadership of Hernan Constantino, this organization is destined to become one of the most acclaimed youth orchestra programs in the country. Mr. Constantino is simply one of the finest conductors with whom I have ever worked, and with his kind and selfless personality, he is also one of the most inspiring teachers in the region. YAS is a very unique program that caters to every age group and to every level of ability. The enthusiastic and experienced conductors have successfully integrated the internationally recognized Suzuki method into their program and introduced early ensembles in the teaching of their youngest students and beginner players. The intermediate and advanced musicians are exposed to challenging musical literature that advances their skill and promotes their musical development. YAS is, without a doubt, a superb institution that offers a complete musical education. I am pleased to share my expertise to further this organization's unending pursuit of excellence. -- Jung-Ho Pak