Irvine Young Concert Artists

IYCA Tour 2008

Korea.
The Journey Begins

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Photo taken from inside the first of two buses as IYCA Tour 2008
heads from Seoul Incheon International Airport to our hotel.
Everyone is tired from our long flight from LAX.
Far Left: violinist Rupen Dajee (videotaping in Hi Def the journey).
Sitting to his right in a white jacket is bassist Chance Onody.

Photo from the bus by Alex Lombardi as IYCA heads out from Incheon Airport.
The weather was overcast, gloomy, and humid.

Interior of tour bus no.1. Note the light drizzle.

Scenic shot from outside the Seoul Olympic Parktel hotel entrance.
This hotel was built to host Olympic atheletes.
Within walking distance are the Olympic Park and Olympic Village.

Lobby of the Seoul Olympic Parktel hotel, our home for the next six days.
IYCA members are waiting as Albert Wu (IYCA Executive Director) retrieves room keys and assigments.

L-R: Albert Wu, Jilian Zhang (violin), Unji Lee (violin), Serena Wong (cello).

Waiting for their room keys.
Waiting for that warm shower.
L-R: Chance Onody (bass), Paul Chong (cello), Hebin Yoon (flute),
Kenneth Tham (cello), Grace Baek (viola)

Cellist Tiffany Hsieh guards her cello.

Leonard Liu, in a footbal huddle, speaking to IYJA Conductor Cosima Luther (left) and Josh Roach (right).
"Drinks are on me tonight ok?"
L-R: Cosima Luther (conductor), Leonard Liu (China Tour Director & Parent), Josh Roach (conductor)

"Listen up, I've got the keys!"
A classic black and white photo of Josh Roach and Albert Wu in action.
Josh Roach making announcements about room keys, schedule, and general directions to IYCA.

IYCA heads out for their first rehearsal from the Seoul Olympic Parktel hotel.
Front: violinist/violist Edward Shieh and Peter Fournier (IYCA Guest Conductor).
Peter Fournier is formerly the Music Director of University High School.
Note his special trombone case.
Behind him marches the orchestra to the buses.

Bassoonist Laura Liu-Kim sets up for rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Trombonists Theresa Wisneskie and Ian Striedter warming up before rehearsals, off stage.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist Jillian Zhang warming up at the age of the Nowon Cultural Arts Center Concert Hall.
To her left, violinist Unji Lee.
IYJA rehearses first at this rehearsal.

"Can you leave me alone as I'm practicing?"
Jillian leans in as Alex Lombardi snaps away.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Cellist Serena Wong ready to walk on stage for rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist Serena Wong looks on.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist Unji Lee, in a moment of happiness and reflection.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA waits as IYJA is rehearsing on stage.
One of many moments where musicians bonded.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA Rehearsal time!
On stage, Albert Wu and Josh Roach direct the first rehearsal at the Nowon Concert Hall.
Work out musical details.
L-R: Albert Wu (violin & Executive Director) and Josh Roach (conductor)
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Astonished by the paparazzi presence of Alex Lombardi, iAlbert Wu prepares to play violin
for the IYJA rehearsal. He is armed with his Dalaglio violin and Bazin violin bow.
Pictured is his double violin case.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist Gloria Park rehearses Bach Violin Concerto No.1 in her debut in Korea (Seoul) with IYJA.
Cosima Luther conducts.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist Sean Liu, IYJA.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA rehearsal. The viola section.
L-R: Violist Julie Hwang (Princeton University), Grace Baek (Columbia University), David Kao (UC Irvine).
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA rehearsal.
IYCA violist and soloist Grace Baek (now at Columbia University).
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA rehearsal.
Violist Matt Domingo (now at UC Santa Cruz) in action.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA rehearsal, conducted by Cosima Luther, featuring Gloria Park as soloist.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist Kenny Song during IYJA rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist and soloist Gloria Park, on stage, Nowon Concert Hall.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Albert Wu looks on during IYJA's dress rehearsal.
Violinist Inje Lee and Jillian Zhang lead from the first stand.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA Rehearsal.
Violinist Howard Ahn.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA rehearsal.
Violinist Vincent Hsieh.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist and soloist Unji Lee, on stage, IYJA rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist Inje Lee smiles: rehearsing Vivaldi Concerto for 2 Violins, with sister Unji Lee and IYJA.
Cosima Luther, conductor.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Left hand closeup of violinist Inje Lee.
IYJA Concertmaster 2008 Tour.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA rehearsal.
Violinist Sean Liu.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA rehearsal.
Violist Jack Kearl smiles!
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA rehearsal.
Violist Christine Hwang in action!
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA principal cellist, Kenneth Tham (now at USC), fearlessly leads his section!
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA Assistant Principal Cellist, Andrew Chen (now at Art Center College of Design).
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA musicians look on during IYJA's rehearsal on stage.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Albert Wu's Dalaglio violin sits on a violin case.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

The late IYJA Violinist Alan Li.
He passed away tragically weeks after the tour concluded August 2008.
We will miss him.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Soloists David Park (violin I) and Albert Wu (violin II), with IYJA and Cosima Luther conducting.
Bach Double Concerto in D Minor.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA rehearsal.
L-R: violinists Unji Lee and Gloria Park.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA rehearsal.
L-R: violinists Raymond Lu and Kenny Song, cellist Andrew Chen.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA Principal Second: Chris Tsao, violin
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA Cellist Tiffany Hsieh
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA cellist Serena Wong
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA conductor Cosima Luther
Nowon Concert Hall
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA conductor Cosima Luther rehearsing Bach Double Concerto.
Bach Double Concerto: David Park & Albert Wu, violins
Cosima Luther, conductor
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Candid shot.
Albert Wu without his violin but with his Canon camera.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA prepares to rehearse Vivaldi's Four Seasons, conductorless.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

What Albert Wu looks like if you're a mosquito peeping through a music stand.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA and IYCA Conductors Cosima Luther and Josh Roach...
Look on as IYCA rehearses conductorless.
It is their first time in Asia and first time conducting and performing in Korea.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist Tae Young Woo directs IYCA in Vivaldi's The Four Seasonsn (Summer, 3rd movement).
This is the only rehearsal prior to the two concerts in Korea for IYCA.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA Assistant Concertmaster Lydia Hsu (UC Riverside Class of 2012).
To her left, violinist/webmaster/jedi master Rupen Dajee (UCLA Class of 2014).
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist Rupen Dajee in rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist Rupen Dajee
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist and soloist Tae Young Woo, rehearsal.
The Four Seasons by Vivaldi: Summer, 3rd movement.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist Tae Young Woo, closeup.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA principal bassist, Chance Onody.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Unji Lee's violin, closeup
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA rehearsal, led by violinist/soloist Tae Young Woo.
Bassist Chance Onody looks on.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

A moment of leisure during IYCA's rehearsal.
L-R: Kevin Kerr (violin), Sean Liu (violin), Chris Tsao (violin)
Violinist Raymond Lu (below) hangs on to dear life.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Conductors Josh Roach (left) and Cosima Luther (right) look on as IYCA rehearses Vivaldi.
Everything is like clockwork, with Josh Roach's oversight.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist Albert Wu is pleased with the IYCA rehearsal! A moment of satisfaction!
It is his debut rehearsal in Korea and feels welcome at the Nowon Cultural Center.
Break time. The rest of IYCA reshuffles on stage to reset.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Albert Wu going over details with wife/pianist/general manager/tour director Junko Nojima
during over the IYJA and IYCA changeover on stage.
In her hand are room assignments, bus assignments, who is leaving early, coming late on the tour.
Her invaluable contributions made the Korea Tour smooth and flawless.

Front: Josh Roach, sitting on stage, speaking to Cosima Luther.
Peter Fournier, IYCA guest conductor for the 2008 Korea/China Tour, takes the podium for his rehearsal.
Albert Wu clarifying rehearsal order.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA Principal Violist Grace Baek performing the Stamitz Viola Concerto with IYCA.
Peter Fournier, conductor.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Maestro Peter Fournier in action!
Peter Fournier is the former music teacher of University High School.
He retired in 2002.
IYCA rehearsal: Stamitz Viola Concerto.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Cosima Luther looks over IYCA violinists Laura Vallve (left) and Mary Collins (right).
Laura Vallve, now in Boston University and Mary Collins, now at Chapman University Law School.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA group photo, conducted by Peter Fournier.
Featuring violist Grace Baek as soloist.
Stamitz Viola Concerto
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA violist Edward Shieh taking a stretch.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

View of Nowon Concert Hall from the back of the hall.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

View of Nowon Concert Hall from the balcony seats.
In two days, this hall will be packed.
Tickets were completely sold out for our concert.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA alto saxophonist, Joshua Pan, in rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA bassoonist Laura Lee-Kim, in rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA Principal Bassoonist Elliott Clark, in rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA Principal Clarinetist, Hanne Yoon, in rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA Clarinetist Tiffany Liu.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA Principal Flutist, Joy Wang, in rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Flutist Hebin Yoon (left) and Tina Xu (right), in rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Hebin Yoon, flute
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Tina Xu, flute
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Principal Trombonist Theresa Wisneskie, in rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Principal Trombonist Ian Striedter.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Theresa Wisneski, Principal trombonist
Closeup.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA violinist Lauren Kim takes to the stage as soloist in the Wieniawski Violin Concerto No.1, 1st mvmt
Conducted by Josh Roach
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Lauren Kim, soloist
Wieniawski Violin Concerto No.1
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Lauren Kwok, violin
1st violin, IYCA
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Lauren Kim plays Wieniawski Concerto
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Albert Wu leads as Concertmaster of IYCA.
In rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA violinist Lydia Hsu, Assistant Concertmaster, in rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA Principal Second, Tae Young Woo
In rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Maestro Josh Roach directs Wieniawski Violin Concerto
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Maestro Josh Roach examines Wieniawski Violin Concerto score.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA violinist Alan Way, in rehearsal
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Laura Vallve, violinist
1st Violin
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Mary Collins, violin
1st Violin
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Albert Wu watches IYCA rehearses from edge of the stage.
Checking balance, ensemble.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA Principal Cellist and Soloist, Brian Kim
Performing Haydn Cello Concerto in C Major, 3rd mvmt
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Diana Huang, violin
1st Violin
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Josh Roach, IYCA conductor, in rehearsal, as Albert Wu looks on.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA Cellist Paul Chong, in rehearsal
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Jenny Lee, mother to Unji and Inje Lee, napping during IYCA rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Barry Onody, father to Chance Onody, napping during IYCA rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Christina Wong, hard at work studying OR napping during IYCA rehearsal?
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Leo Collins, father to Mary Collins, napping during IYCA rehearsal.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

A truly candid moment!
Cellist Paul Chong (left) and Jiten Dajee (right) admire a photo.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

How quickly do musicians bond on tour, even with parents there?
Or how long does it take for a few girls to get away from their parents and pose for a photo?
This photo says it all.
L-R: Hebin Yoon, Hanne Yoon, Helena Vallve, Laura Vallve, Taylor Ainslee

"It says I have to play trumpet here, so you going to let me play or not?"
Cosima Luther and Josh Roach, in a lighter moment on stage, Nowon Concert Hall.
This is in preparation for John Williams' Indiana Jones, where Cosima Luther conducts
and Josh Roach steps down as conductor to play trumpet.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Ian Striedter, practicing while marching around the concert hall stage.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

"You may not pass! No means no!"
"You've got to let me through! Please! I thought we were friends!"
Albert Wu begging one stubborn violinist Unji Lee in a lighter moment during break.
Jillian Zhang (left) and Tiffany Liu (right) look on.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

SPA Entertainment representative Catherine Park was the heartbeat of the 2008 Korea Tour.
She is pictured here conversing, in English, with Chance Onody's mother in the back of the
Nowon Concert Hall. She was responsible for arranging our rehearsals, bus, meal schedules.
Her hospitality was first rate.
A week before the IYCA tour, Albert Wu flew to Korea with bassist Chance Onody and she received
us with the same warmth, helping us translate as well as taking us to great places to eat.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Hanne Yoon, worshipping the great Albert Wu.
Enough said!
Hebin Yoon, younger sister (left) and Helena Vallve (right) look on, wondering if she must as well.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

I give you Mr. Dana Carvey!
The look of excitement!
Trombonist Ian Striedter of IYCA
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Albert Wu and his fans.
"It's nice to be in charge," he thinks to himself.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Battle plans.
4 musicians converge to discuss rehearsal order, members, parts.
4 musicians. 4 different cultures. Join for music making.
Off stage, Nowon Concert Hall, prior to the joint rehearsal of both Nowon Orchestra & IYCA
for this historic 2008 tour. The devotion of Maestro Song to a great concert blew me away.
Here, he is offering his 8 french horns and entire brass section for our John Williams finale.
It's great to see musicians working together on creating a finished, first-rate product.
The desire to help each other through music is a powerful concept. Without it, there is no concert.
Pre-rehearsal and pre-concert jitters are often due to lack of preparation or lack of unity in one vision.
While everyone has their own concept of what is and can be, only when there is agreement and compromise
do you get progress and results.
Great conductors are attentive to details, as pictured here.
L-R: Cosima Luther, Young Kyu Song (Nowon Orchestra Music Director), Josh Roach, Albert Wu
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Working on details for the brass section.
Maestro Young Kyu Song has it picture perfect in his mind.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Hebin Yoon, Hanne Yoon, Laurva Vallve, Helena Vallve, Lauren Kwok, Tina Xu.
Trying to be scary, on stage, at a rehearsal on an international tour!
Talk about spontaneous creativity and insanity!
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Hebin Yoon, Hanne Yoon, Laurva Vallve, Helena Vallve, Lauren Kwok Tina Xu.
Helena Vallve loses it! Laughter breaks out!
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

"Albert, what is the meaning of life?"
"Let me think about it. We can toss a coin to see if I am right!"
Albert Wu speaks to Helena Vallve, Hebin Yoon, Hanne Yoon, and Laura Vallve
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Tae Young Woo (left) joins the conversation, aiding with translation work between
Maestro Song and Josh Roach.
Maestro Song speaks perfect Korean and German but very little English.
He lived in Vienna and studied there for about ten years.
This made communication difficult using English.
In this photo: Albert Wu points at Josh Roach to play trumpet in John Williams' Indiana Jones,
the concert finale work which involved IYCA and the Nowon Youth Orchestra.
Maestro Song offered his opportunity to conduct the joint piece to Josh Roach.
Cosima Luther waits for the 'yes' answer from Mr. Roach.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

A game quickly forms on stage during break.
L-R: Lauren Kwok, Grace Baek, Tina Xu, Taylor Ainslee, David Kao, Helena Vallve, Hanne Yoon,
Hebin Yoon.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

The celebration continues!
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Dr. Nick Yee, his first visit to Seoul (Korea), somehow ends up on the stage floor in the Nowon Concert Hall,
unable to get up! Perhaps he was laughing so hard he fell down after hearing one of Albert Wu's jokes
or ideas or dreams!
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

IYJA violinist and soloist Gloria Park (in orange) takes a nap after IYJA's rehearsal as her mother
is making phone calls. Lobby of Nowon Cultural Arts Center.
Nowon Concert Hall, July 2008

Streets
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Streets
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Josh Roach with his digital camera!
Peter Fournier (left) and Catherine Park (right) look on.
It is mealtime!
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Rupen Dajee journeys on.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Celebrity couples, Junko Nojima and Albert Wu
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Dr. Nick Yee, now IYJA Music Director, demonstrates his dexterity to
Tiffany Liu, Tiffany Hsieh, Unji Lee, and Serena Wong.
Location: at the Han River cruise boat which IYCA took after the rehearsal in Nowon.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

The all wise Dr. Nick Yee.
Does he have all the answers?
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Gloria Park's mother, carrying younger daughter, Nancy Park on her back.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Josh Roach and Cosima Luther, from inside the cruise on the Han River,
wide-awake after a grueling long rehearsal on stage in Nowon.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Nick Yee in one of his finer moments!
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Chance Onody ready to make his first of many purchases in the Orient!
He examines the merchandise carefully.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Rupen Dajee, smiling, admiring, and proud.
So Rupen of Rupen!
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

L-R: Taylor Ainslee, Laura Vallve, Hanne Yoon, Hebin Yoon, Helena Vallve, Lauren Kwok
Another impromptu photo by the girls. Evolved into an amazing shot!
Everyone is natural and poised!
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Hallway on route to where IYCA would eat lunch.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Mealtime!
Jahn Sun, Director of SPA Entertainment, speaks to IYCA Conductor Josh Roach
during a buffett dinner in Seoul, Korea.
Mr. Sun speaks perfect English and worked with the Nowon Cultural Arts Center in a four-hour meeting
to iron out every detailed imaginable to produce two concerts. He is in charge of SPA Entertainment, who
in past years have booked artists such as Sarah Chang to Yo Yo Ma in concerts in Korea.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Josh Roach enjoys his ice cream!
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Albert Wu enjoy his ice cream!
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Proud!
Josh Roach poses in front of a concert promotions banner outside of the Yong-In Women Hall

Albert Wu and his better half, Junko Nojima, setting up parts for the IYCA rehearsal in
Yong-In Women's Hall.
Every part was bound into spiral books to ensure no parts were lost in this historic 3-week tour.
Albert Wu guarded the luggage with the music with his life so the tour ran smoothly.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Interior of the Yong-In Women's Concert Hall
2008

Josh Roach and Catherine Park of SPA Entertainment.
Catherine was always on the phone making sure everything ran smoothly.
Whether that was before or during rehearsal, before and during meals, in the bus.
She averaged 10-12 hour days, sometimes longer if they are concert days.
The life of an agent and productions company in Korea.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

View from back of the stage: Yong-In Women's Hall
2008
Albert Wu, Junko Nojima and students setting up on stage.

The awesome supportive parents sitting all in one row as IYCA prepares to rehearse.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Mr. and Mrs. Vallve
Camera and a map. I think they're making plans for an excursion after rehearsal!
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Albert Wu and Chance Onody.
The dynamic duo always having a chat before rehearsals!
Yes, it was hot on stage. Or in all of Asia for that matter! Humid and hot!
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Rupen Dajee and Junko Nojima having a chuckle!
Junko Nojima is relieved things are set up and going well.
Always so supportive!
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Battle Plans.
"We attack here, here, and here."
Josh Roach, calling the shots again, prior to rehearsal time.
Cosima Luther (left) and Albert Wu (right) look on.

Rupen Dajee at it again with the 2 HiDef Video Camcorders.
Documenting every rehearsal, every concert on this historic 2008 tour.
Setting up, prior to rehearsal.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

The Bishop family!
With Nick Bishop on stage, brothers and mom sit offstage relaxing!
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Albert Wu tuning up.
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

Backstage, Yong-In Women's Hall
Backstage crew looks on. Eyes and ears on everything.
TV monitors see everything on stage, backstage, and in the lobby.

IYCA guest conductor Peter Fournier plays with Nancy Park as IYCA rehearses.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Gloria Park, violin
On stage, rehearsing as soloist.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Unji Lee, violin
On stage, rehearsing as soloist.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Inje Lee, violin
On stage, rehearsing as soloist.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Vivaldi Concerto for 2 Violins
Inje Lee and Unji Lee, violins
IYJA: Cosima Luther, conductor
In rehearsal, on stage.
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

Lee Siblings rehearse Vivaldi Concerto for 2 Violins with IYJA
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Barry Onody, again napping.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Rupen checking video footage of the rehearsal with Junko Nojima.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Ian Striedter practicing marching band routines up and down the backstage stairs in Yong-In Women's Hall.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Soloist and Conductor Tae Young Woo rehearsing Vivaldi's The Four Seasons (Summer) with IYCA.
Again, IYCA performs this conductorless.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Some problems with ensemble worries Albert Wu as he listens from the hall.
Josh Roach and Cosima Luther share his concerns and look for solutions.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Chilling.
Front Row (L-R): Chris Tsao, Vincent Hsieh, Sean Liu
Back Row (L-R): Kevin Kerr, Raymond Lu, David Park
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

Jillian Zhang and Unji Lee playing cards after they finish their rehearsal.
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

IYCA Violist Christine Hwang rehearsing Hoffmeister's Viola Concerto (1st mvmt) with IYCA.
Conducted by: Peter Fournier
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

Christine Hwang, viola
Close-Up
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Heejoo Vallve, napping during IYCA's rehearsal.
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

Tiffany and Vincent Hsieh's mother, napping during IYCA rehearsal.
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

IYCA Group Shot during rehearsal.
Josh Roach conducts IYCA in Korea.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

IYCA Violist Edward Shieh, in rehearsal.
It is Edward's first trip to Korea.
In the background are cellists Paul Chong and Brian Kim.
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

Josh Roach, in rehearsal
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

Lauren Kim rehearses as soloist in the Wieniawski Violin Concerto No.1 with IYCA,
conducted by Josh Roach.
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

IYCA Principal Flutist, Joy Wang
Practicing backstage.
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

IYCA Photographer Alex Lombardi.
The man responsible for all these wonderful pictures.
The man who documented our historic 2008 Tour to Korea with National Geographic quality photos.
Also known by many as Vincent Gogh. Photographer extraodinaire.
I give you, the one and only, Alex Lombardi, official photographer of IYCA and the 2008 Korea/China Tour.
An excellent self-portrait. Note his signature hat.
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

A game forms after lunch!
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

At a gift shop.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Dinner buffet, prior to concert in Yong-In Women's Hall dining hall.
Pictured: Leonard Liu (left) and Kevin Kerr (right)
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Meal time!
L-R: Josh Roach, Jinah Chung (violin teacher/Boston Conservatory & UCI music grad), Cosima Luther
In Dining Hall:
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Josh Roach's boyish charm!
Dining Hall
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

"We made it! Look, look! All that hard work!"
Albert Wu, outside Yong-In Women's Hall, poses in front of a promotion banner
for the 7/23/08 concert featuring IYCA!
Wife, pianist, general manager, and
librarian Junko Nojima looks on.
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Children's Choir performing prior to IYCA's performance at the Yong-In Women's Hall, July 2008

1st soloist of the evening.
Violinist Gloria Park solos in the Bach Violin Concerto No.1
Yong-In Women's Concert Hall, July 2008

Violinist Gloria Park performs in concert
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

IYJA Concertmaster Inje Lee leads.
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

Violininist David Park featured as the evening's 2nd soloist in
Bach's Double Concerto with Albert Wu on violin II.
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

Violist Grace Baek performs the Stamitz Viola Concerto with IYCA
Peter Fournier, conductor
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

Violist Christine Hwang performs the Hoffmeister Viola Concerto
Peter Fournier, conductor
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

Cellist Brian Kim, live, in concert, performing
Haydn's Cello Concerto in C Major, 3rd mvmt
Josh Roach, conductor
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

Violinist Lauren Kim performs as soloist in the Wieniawski Violin Concerto No.1
Conducted by: Josh Roach
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

Flutist Joy Wang debuts in Korea in Vivaldi's "Goldfinch" Flute Concerto, conductorless.
She is the first non-Korean soloist in this concert in Korea.
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

The warm reception following our concert in Korea!
Two young girls with flowers walk on stage admist thunderous applause!
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

IYJA Conductor Cosima Luther and IYJA violinist Unji Lee receive the flowers
on behalf of IYJA.
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

The beginning of friendship, through music!
The applause continues!
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

Group photo on stage post-concert.
Featuring IYCA members (dressed in black) standing behind the girl's choir.
This marks the end of Concert No.1 in Korea in this landmark 6 day tour in 2008 for IYCA.
Yong-In Women's Hall
July 2008

No shoes!
IYCA members take a break on a rainy day prior to sectionals and more rehearsals in Nowon.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center (3rd floor)
July 2008

Nowon Cultural Arts Center backstage.
The concert hall can transform into different configurations for all types of performances.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Violist Christine Hwang in one of her 'happier' moments.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

3 violinists hanging out and playing cards!
L-R: Sean Liu, Raymond Lu, and Kevin Kerr.
Kevin Kerr is in a rain poncho, fearful the rain may attack him from inside the concert hall.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

The stairway, as seen from backstage.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Jillian Zhang's magical smile.
She must be winning playing cards!
Nowon Cultural Arts Center (backstage)
July 2008

IYJA members Serena Wong and Jillian Zhang play cards backstage during break.
The gambling continues!
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Jillian Zhang (left) and Unji Lee (right) pose for photographer Alex Lombardi.
Unji Lee seems camera shy.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYJA musicians practicing hard prior to the dress rehearsal.
L-R: violinists Steve Park, Sean Liu, Kevin Kerr, Raymond Lu.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Kevin Kerr demonstrates his mastery of the G-flat minor scale backstage!
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Old friend and colleague Jinah Chung, on tour with IYCA in 2008.
IYCA violins rehearse under violin teacher and IYCA coach Jinah Chung's intense, watchful eye.
Background, left to right: violinists Diana Huang, Mary Collins, Mark Dally, Alan Li, Howard Ahn.
Backstage, 3rd floor.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Wind sectionals.
Front to back: Bassoonist Laura Lee-Kim, Elliott Clark, Clarinetist Hanne Yoon, Tiffany Liu.
3rd floor, backstage.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Wind Sectionals.
L-R: Hebin Yoon, Tina Xu, Joy Wang, Tiffany Liu, Hanne Yoon, Elliott Clark, Laura Lee-Kim
Back row: Joshua Pan
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Rupen Dajee, violinist, looks on, barefoot.
Junko Nojima watching everyone carefully.
Where's Albert?
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

More games!
Left Side (bottom to up): Chris Tsao, Edward Shieh, Tiffany Hsieh
Right Side (bottom to up): David Park, Unji Lee, Serena Wong
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Everyone's playing cards to pass time during break!
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Students take to the stairs.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Rupen Dajee hard at work, as usual.
Practicing his parts, backstage, in the conductor's special dressing room.
How did he get in there?
A 10-foot Steinway Piano sits behind him.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Friendship City Concert!
It is rehearsal time in Seoul, Korea.
Nowon Concertmaster and IYCA Concertmaster (Inje Lee) warmup to rehearse the Bach Double,
the work which will officially celebrate the Seoul-Irvine Friendship City relationship.
This is the only rehearsal prior to the concert for this work.
The idea of the Bach Double, featuring a soloist from IYCA and from Nowon,
generated from Maestro Song (of the Nowon Orchestra) in my meeting with him a week before the tour.
Albert Wu, behind, helping setup.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Nowon Assistant Concertmaster and IYCA Assistant Concertmaster (Lydia Hsu) sit side by side.
This is true music making and true cultural exchange. History is made!
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

When musicians smile, it's usually a good sign.
It's especially a good sign during a rehearsal.
A sign of friendship. Of trust. Of fun.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Nowon violinist and IYCA violinist Wendell Su (now at UC San Diego)
share a stand in the Bach Double Concerto.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Nowon Principal Violist and IYCA Principal Violist Grace Baek rehearse side by side.
Sisters Julie Hwang and Christine Hwang share a stand.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA Founder/Violinist Albert Wu tunes up, sitting as Principal Second,
alongside Nowon Orchestra's Principal Second violinist.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Our soloists, two concertmasters, from 2 countries -- Korea and USA -- continue warming up.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA Bassist Chance Onody rehearses side by side with Nowon Orchestra Principal Bassist.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

The amazing brass section of the Nowon Orchestra!
Teresa Wisneski and Ian Striedter look on.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

A grew view, through the strings of a harp!
The almighty french horn section of the Nowon Orchestra.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Contemplative, watchful, careful, and mindful...
IYCA Executive Director Albert Wu observes the joint rehearsal.
On stage.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA violinist Jiten Dajee has already made a new friend?
Seen here sharing a laugh with a Nowon Orchestra musician.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Nowon Orchestra Concertmaster and IYCA Soloist Tae Young Woo rehearse
Bach's Double Concerto, 2nd movement.
The Friendship City featured the Bach Double and two soloists from Irvine.
Featured here is Tae Young Woo, violinist, the second soloist for this concert.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

"Listen to my Stars and Stripes Forever without my trumpet!"
Josh Roach knows how to amuse everyone!
Especially with his trumpet mouthpiece when he is not conducting!
During rehearsal.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

How do musicians make new friends?
And what exactly is a Friendship City concert?
This is it.
A Kodak moment.
Three Nowon Orchestra members already hanging out with two IYCA members,
violinists Nick Bishop and Jiten Dajee, before and after rehearsal.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Albert Wu's violin, resting on stage, awaiting for it's call to battle!
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

(L-R) IYCA violinists Diana HUang, Jillian Zhang, Unji Lee, and Raymond Lu, during rehearsal.
Jillian is excited to always pose for the camera while Unji Lee is always hiding behind an inanimate object
when Alex Lombardi is nearby!
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Thumbs up!
You guys sound great!!
This, ladies and gentleman, is my definition of a friendship.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Have you ever seen so many trombonists in a youth orchestra?
Three trombonists from Irvine and two from Nowon join forces in John William's Indiana Jones.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Percussionist from Nowon Youth Orchestra, in rehearsal.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA Alto Saxophonists Josh Pan (left) and Chris Bryant (right) in rehearsal.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Brian Kim attempts to get his endpin out which somehow slipped into his cello.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

I think he's got it!!
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Albert Wu and Rupen Dajee rehearse Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Violins, conductorless.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Backstage at the Nowon Concert Hall.
Left: Three girls from the Nowon Orchestra already dressed for the concert.
Right: Four boys from IYCA who have yet to change into their concert dress.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

"What did I do this time? I feel like I'm in trouble!" asks Josh Roach to members of IYCA.
Backstage, minutes before the concert.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA violinist Jiten Dajee pops his head out to chat with Nowon Orchestra violinist.
Location: backstage, outside of the men's dressing room.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

With the camera on him, Jiten Dajee breaks out his victory pose!
The Nowon Orchestra violinist is amused.
Nick Bishop looks on from inside, where he is safe.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

The concert was sold-out. Every seat was taken, by family, friends, children, city and government officials.
Seated in the audience were the two mayors of Seoul and Irvine, as well as the families of IYCA musicians.
Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang flew redeye out of LAX the night before so he could attend this historic concert.
This is a photo of the audience prior to the concert, which began with the Nowon Youth Orchestra,
followed by the Irvine Young Concert Artists (IYCA).
I'll never forget the dismay of some friends of mine who could not get in because the concert was sold-out.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Nowon Concertmaster and IYCA Concertmaster perform as soloists.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Nowon Concertmaster, in concert.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA Concertmaster Inje Lee, in concert.
Solo debut in Korea.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA Concertmaster Tae Young Woo, in concert, as soloist.
Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Summer.
Solo debut in Korea.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYJA Violinist Gloria Park as soloist, in concert.
Solo debut in Korea.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA Violinist Wendell Su in his solo debut in Korea.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA violinist Alan Way as soloist in Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Autumn.
Solo debut in Korea.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA Principal Bassist Chance Onody solos in the Eccles Sonata with IYCA.
Solo debut in Korea.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Sisters Laura Vallve (left) and Helena Vallve (right), perform as soloists in the Vivaldi Concerto
for Two Violins Op.3 No.8, conductorless.
Solo debut for both sisters in Korea.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA violinist Laura Vallve, as soloist.
Vivaldi Concerto for Two Violins Op.3 No.8
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA violinist Helena Vallve, as soloist.
Vivaldi Concerto for Two Violins Op.3 No.8
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA violinist Rupen Dajee as soloist in Vivaldi Concerto for Two Violins Op.3 No.8 (III)
with his younger brother, Jiten Dajee.
Solo debut in Korea.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA violinist Jiten Dajee, as soloist, with brother Rupen Dajee,
in Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Violins, movement three.
This is Jiten's solo debut in Korea.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

IYCA cellist Paul Chong solos in the Haydn Cello Concerto in C Major.
Solo debut in Korea.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Albert Wu as soloist in John Williams' Schindler's List, with IYCA.
Solo debut in Korea.
Josh Roach, conductor

IYCA, under the baton of Cosima Luther, in concert,
performing John Williams' Indiana Jones.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

The finale of the program, William's Indiana Jones, brings the audience to thunderous applause!
IYCA now stands to acknowledge this historic concert.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

Maestro Song arrives on stage to greet IYCA and Conductor Cosima Luther
with flowers for this moment.
Nowon Cultural Arts Center
July 2008

The photo that will go down in history!
Official joint concert photo celebrating the Irvine-Seoul Friendship City!
Banner captured in this photo hung over the concert hall during the concert.
Post concert, on stage, are the Nowon Youth Orchestra, IYCA, Maestro Young Kyu Song of the Nowon
Youth Orchestra, Maestros Cosima Luther, Josh Roach, and Peter Fournier, IYCA Executive Director
Albert Wu, Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang, as well as government and city officials from Nowon and Seoul.
This was a concert that could not be topped! Truly, truly memorable. For musicians and parents
and city public officials.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Seoul, Korea

Violinist Gloria Park, post-concert!

Albert Wu (IYCA Executive Director) beaming with excitement, post-concert!
Holding flowers and happy everything went as planned and envisioned!
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Seoul, Korea

Gloria Park and mother post for a post-concert photo.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Seoul, Korea

Nowon Youth Orchestra musicians pose for Alex Lombardi in a candid,
embarrassed moment!
Location: 4th floor, Nowon Concert Hall
This took place during the banquet reception post-concert.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Seoul, Korea

IYCA violinists and friends Helena Vallve and Taylor Ainslee,
take a moment to smile for photographer Alex Lombardi.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

Sisters Laura and Helena Vallve post concert, pose for Alex Lombardi, at the reception banquet.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

Politicians and musicians, unite!
The geniuses who made everything happen.
A photo moment during reception.
L-R: Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang, Nowon Mayor, Cosima Luther, Josh Roach, Albert Wu
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang takes a moment to speak with IYCA clarinetist Tiffany Liu while
violinists Unji Lee and Vincent Hsieh look on.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang shakes hand with IYCA Guest Conductor Peter Fournier in another
photo moment. Peter Fournier was the teacher at University High School in Irvine for over
twenty years.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

This is what happens when musicians get together after concerts: they talk and catch up and find out
what everyone is up to and doing. Cosima Luther speaks to Maestro Young Kyu Song in another Kodak
moment, captured by Alex Lombardi.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

IYCA violinist David Park captured his memories of the tour and concerts on his cellphone
and digital camera. Here he shares one of the many photos he captured of Cosima in her
candid moments.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

Boys will be boys. It's hard to find out what is going on here, but Alex Lombardi was
at the right place at the right time!
Top-Down: Kenny Song, Vincent Hsieh, Jeffrey Wang
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

How girls seem to find their counterparts within minutes baffles me!
In this photo, Helena Vallve creates a "heart" with fellow Nowon Orchestra musician for a photo moment!
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

And that led to more hearts and affection.
Everyone was taking so many photos during the reception!
In this photo: Laura Vallve, Hanne Yoon, Hebin Yoon, Helena Vallve, and Nowon Youth
Orchestra musician.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

Taken over by the love in the room, violist and now IYJA conductor Nick Yee sings
a love song to Cosima Luther, with perfect Korean pronouciation. Cosima pauses
while eating her soup to hear Nick's lovely voice, taken away by the rich Pavarotti-like sonority.
The food, by the way, buffet style, was absolutely incredible!
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

The IYCA Korea Tour family smiles at you!
L-R: Peter Fournier, Josh Roach, Albert Wu, Cosima Luther, Junko Nojima
Talk about a historic photo!
Everyone in this photo performed on the tour AND also had another role,
whether it was conducting, recruiting, or doing room assignments to hotel bookings.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

"So who said I can't take photos, eh?" says Josh Roach.
L-R: Catherine Park, Josh Roach, Cosima Luther
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

Tae Young Woo's violin sits on the piano in the reception room as he waits for the
perfect moment to perform Mozart's Table Music (upside down music) for 2 violins!
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

IYCA clarinetist Hanne Yoon and Nowon Orchestra musician captured horsing around!
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

Nowon Youth Orchestra musician knows how to have fun!
Hanne Yoon cannot contain her laughter.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

Nowon Orchestra musician poses with IYCA musician Helena Vallve!
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

Nowon Orchestra musician poses with Hebin Yoon.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

Maestro Young Kyu Song and Albert Wu pose for their only photo together.
We met a week before, spoke for hours during lunch, and Maestro Song knew
every musician I knew from the Vienna Philharmonic. We spoke about the music
world in Korea, his schedule, his contracts, how the orchestra there works, how
they treat him, and his ten years spent in Vienna. It was a great talk, and it is my
wish to reconnect with him soon in another concert. He is a humble musician,
thoughtful, warm, and willing to do anything to make a concert happen. A guest
conductor in several orchestras all throughout and outside of Seoul, Maestro Song
is selfless and spoke candidly about the orchestra world, how music is viewed in
Korea, and who takes music seriously and why they learn it or quit and why they
quit. It was a true cultural exchange when i met with him a week before the IYCA
tour, my glimpse into his world. In our one concert together, he sacrificed podium
time and offered his brass players (college students in Seoul) to make our joint
work a success. We had an understanding. And it is rare for a conductor -- who
are often egomaniacs pushing their career and fame through an orchestra -- to take
time to talk and share honest opinions about the world. It's the world that I am used
to and often encourage my students to embrace. (Albert Wu, Nov 2010)

July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

Junko Nojima, photographed in front of a gift box. Inside the gift
box were watches, gifts for each member of IYCA for the 2010 tour.
The hospitality of the tour was incredible. I've been on many tours,
and I think the warmth of this one was by far the most memorable,
from youth orchestra to youth orchestra. I hope young musicians
understand the value of joint concerts.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

Nowon Youth Orchestra Concertmaster and soloist earlier this evening, poses for
photographer Alex Lombardi, with her younger sister. An excellent, first-rate
violinist with solid technique!
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

I'm a big believer in the smile, and when you see people smile, it is quite telling of many,
many things. Hanne Yoon points to photographer Alex Lombardi as IYCA musicians David Kao,
Hebin Yoon, Laura Vallve, Helena Vallve, and Jiten Dajee look on.
July 24, 2008
Nowon Concert Hall
Banquet Room (post-concert reception)
Seoul, Korea

IYCA violinists Kenny Song and Jeffrey Wang and flutist Tina Xu stroll through the hallways
of the National Assembly of South Korea.
July 25, 2008
National Assembly of South Korea

Albert Wu and Junko Nojima pose for Mr. Lombardi in the main chamber of the
National Assembly of South Korea during a guided tour.
July 25, 2008
National Assembly of South Korea

Parents photographing the interior of the Korean General Assembly main chamber.
July 25, 2008
National Assembly of South Korea

Interior.
July 25, 2008
National Assembly of South Korea

Albert Wu gives his own personal tour and lecture about his views and thoughts of politics
to Cosima Luther, Mark Dalley, and Howard Ahn.
July 25, 2008
National Assembly of South Korea

IYCA violinist Mary Collins listens intently to a translator working at the South Korean
General Assembly. Violinist Sang Song and Junko Nojima are in the background.
July 25, 2008
National Assembly of South Korea

IYCA students and parents, post National Assembly tour.
July 25, 2008
National Assembly of South Korea

IYCA musicians Lauren Kwok, Hebin Yoon, and Tina Xu listen intently!
July 25, 2008
National Assembly of South Korea

The guard at the exit point of the National Assembly.
July 25, 2008
National Assembly of South Korea

Government officials at the National Assembly, taking a break outside.
July 25, 2008
National Assembly of South Korea

Peter Fournier and Cosima Luther are greeted by officials from the General Assembly.
July 25, 2008
National Assembly of South Korea

Josh Raoch, standing high and mighty where he can be heard, runs the play by play scenario for
IYCA before they depart into Lotte World.
July 25, 2008
Lotte World

IYCA prepares to enter Lotte World.
July 25, 2008
Lotte World

Tour buses everywhere can mean only one thing! The orchestra is on the go!
Here, the orchestra arrives at the royal Gyeongbokgung Palace in northern Seoul.
Built in 1394, this palace translates into English as the "Palace fo Shining Happiness."
In this photo: IYCA musicians depart from the buses as they walk towards the palace.
God knows what Edward Shieh is doing (far bottom left).
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Josh Roach is mesmerized by the sheer beauty of this palace's architecture and landscaping.
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Entrance to Gyeongbokgung Palace.
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Guards of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Josh Roach, Junko Nojima, Albert Wu
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Note the scale and space of the palace.
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Junko Nojima and Albert Wu pose for a photo.
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Interior.
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Exterior.
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

A woman sits with her cellphone at the palace.
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

A tourist.
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Rooftops.
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Junko Nojima and Albert Wu, stroll leisurely through the palace grounds.
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

View from palace stairs.
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

Police, on alert, outside the palace.
July 26, 2008
Gyeongbokgung Palace

A motorist.
Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Lunch!
Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Lunch!
Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

A snack, on a rainy day!
Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Lauren Kim and her mom.
Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Rainy day!
Mother and daughter.
Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Serena Wong and Jillian Zhang, happy it is raining!
Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

The photo says it all!
Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Ian Streidter and Chris Bryant
Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Chris Bryant, alto saxophonist
All bundled up!
Insadong.
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Back at the Seoul Olympic Parktel lobby
Catherine Park and Josh Roach
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Jahn Sun, director of SPA Entertainment, relaxing after a long day!
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Catherine Park, wearing Alex Lombardi's signature hat!
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Jahn Sun, wearing Alex Lombardi's stylish hat!
Seoul, Korea
July 2008

Irvine Young Concert Artists

A World Apart... In Music Together