KYCC’s 15th Annual Benefit Concert at The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall was a resounding success, bringing in over $300,000 for our services and programs. Over 1,400 attendees enjoyed the beautiful show, in collaboration with our longstanding partners, Korean American Music Foundation, the Korean American Women’s Association and Kollaboration.
Title Sponsor U.S. Bank was honored with a Certificate of Recognition from Assembly member Miguel Santiago, representing the 53rd California Assembly at a special VIP reception earlier in the evening.
“Our Annual Benefit Concert is a special opportunity for KYCC to thank our sponsors, celebrate KYCC’s achievements and honor artists of different genres and backgrounds,” said KYCC Executive Director Johng Ho Song. “And it was extra special to have our emcee Paul PK Kim, as he was raised in our Koreatown community, and understands the importance of the work that we do.”
The benefit showcased a variety of diverse performers, from classical to pop musicians, celebrating the evolution of music, Asian American youth and the arts.
PK introduced the show with the Yong-In City Orchestra, led by conductor Joong Yeop Lee. Their performance was followed by the all-male UAngel Voice, a five-piece classical vocal group. We were then entertained by Brahm’s Double Concerto in A minor, Op. 102 performed by cellist Joon Sung Jun and violinist Lorenz Gamma. The act was followed by another classical piece by Saint-Saens from organist Grace Chung on Disney Hall’s famous pipe organ. Welly and Dina closed the first act in their return to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, this time with a rendition of “For Good.”
After intermission, Seung Ju Kim and the Korean American Youth Symphony opened the second act with a G. Holst piece from The Planet, Mars. Performances with Kollaboration artists, Megan Lee and AJ Rafael, followed. Megan reflected on the story behind her original “Stronger,” and her desire to recognize how far she has grown as a musician and inspire young artists.
After Rafael and Lee’s rendition of “Quando, Quando, Quando,” Grammy-nominated Oleta Adams and David Benoit graced the hall with another pair of duet performances.
Headliner ALi, performed Korean and American pieces, including a moving rendition of Adele’s “Someone Like You.” ALi closed the show with a gorgeous rendition of “Get Here”, accompanied by Benoit and Adams.
Thank you again to U.S. Bank, the concert’s Title Sponsor, for making this event possible. Special thanks to Premiere Sponsors, Bank of America, Duracoat Products Inc., Comerica Bank, Wells Fargo, Citi Bank, and JP Morgan.
