Dear Members,
As our 2024–2025 season comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly successful year. A heartfelt thank you goes out to every board member, event chair and co-chair, as well as volunteers who helped make this season full of continued growth, collaboration, and musical excellence within our community.
A special thanks to Minako and Jenny for running a smooth and well-organized Scholarship Competition, and to Chi and Suejin for their impeccable leadership of MSSL throughout the year. Your efforts have been instrumental in creating meaningful and memorable experiences for our students.
On that note, I’m proud to announce that Suejin will be stepping into the role of Southern California Junior Bach Festival (SCJBF) Chair for our branch. We warmly welcome her enthusiasm and positive spirit as she takes on this important responsibility. At the same time, we express a heartfelt farewell to our beloved Chi, who has given countless hours, energy, and care for 20+ years, to ensure this event remains a source of joy and growth for our students. Her impact has been truly remarkable, and we are deeply grateful for her years of dedication.
Final Events of the Season
May 3: MSSL Application Deadline
May 10: MSSL Concert
May 18: Contemporary Festival
May 19: Branch Meeting (in-person)
📍10:00 AM at Faust Harrison Pianos
3730 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92606
Our special guest will be Dr. Samuel Grodin, professor at CSULB
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up this year, it’s time to begin planning for the next. After more than 20 years of dedicated service to our board, our beloved treasurer June Nelson will be stepping down. There are no words to fully express our appreciation for her unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to our branch.
We are now looking to fill the following board roles for next season:
• Branch Treasurer
• Venue Chair
In order to maintain the high standard of service our branch is known for, we need to fill these positions by August 1st. If you’re interested in contributing to our board or would like more information about either role, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or Jenny directly. Your support would mean a great deal to our entire community.
Website System Update
Our new website system is on track and will be ready for testing in June. We’ll be reaching out to a few of you to test the platform and provide feedback. We can’t wait to show you what’s coming!
Pacific Academy Foundation Orchestra – Festival of Soloists
We’re excited to share a special opportunity from the Pacific Academy Foundation Orchestra (PAFO), under the direction of Maestro Jorge Luis Uzcátegui and managed by Erica UzCa. Advanced students will have the chance to perform as featured soloists with the orchestra.
In recognition of the strong connection Maestro Uzcátegui has with our branch and the high caliber of our students, PAFO is offering the following exclusive benefits to MTAC Irvine members:
• Baroque Concerto: Regular fee $500 → Special MTAC Irvine Fee: $350 ($150 discount!)
• Classical Concerto: Regular fee $1000 → Special MTAC Irvine Fee: $700 ($300 discount!)
Plus: 50% discount for students who also join the orchestra Priority consideration during the selection process
Concert Dates:
• Sunday, October 12
• Sunday, October 26
For more information and to apply, please see the details below. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or reach out directly to Maestro Jorge Luis at jorgeluisuzcategui@gmail.com.
Orchestra website: https://www.musictosavehumanity.org/pafo
https://www.pacificacademyfoundation.org/orchestra1
Orchestra recordings: https://www.musictosavehumanity.org/pafo-recordings
Cheers,
Lanzo Luconi
MTAC Irvine Branch President
www.mtacirvine.org
www.lanzoluconi.com