【《We Chinese in America》Media February 9, 2026】 (By our correspondent) Last Saturday evening, the Bel Canto Performance Foundation 10th Anniversary Memorial Concert was held grandly in San Diego. The concert brought together outstanding musicians from the local area and across the United States. Through a program rich in content, diverse in style, and exquisitely produced, the event reviewed the foundation’s decade of artistic cultivation and its achievements in nurturing talent.
The Bel Canto Performance Foundation was founded in 2016 by the renowned vocalist and educator Ms. Lucy C. Lin (林秋美). Since its inception, the foundation has insisted on hosting annual concerts to provide a high-level performance stage for young musicians. Over these ten years, many young artists who first emerged on the Bel Canto stage have since become active in famous symphony orchestras, opera houses, and international music festivals, becoming an important part of the new generation of musical power.
（林秋美 (Lucy C. Lin))
The repertoire for this 10th-anniversary memorial concert was uniquely curated, spanning classical vocal works, chamber music, Western instrumental pieces, and East-West fusion works. The concert opened with "Laudate Dominum" from Mozart’s Vesperae solennes de confessore, performed by soprano Emily Yun Li and the San Diego Chinese CHoral Society (華聖合唱團）. The solemn and pure melody set an elegant tone for the entire evening.
（ "Laudate Dominum", Chorus: San Diego Chinese Choral Society）
(Soprano Solo: Emily Yun Li, Piano: Sifeng Shen)
Subsequently, several chamber music works showcased the exquisite collaborative chemistry of the musicians. Flutist Elena Yarritu, cellist Daniel Grab, and pianist ChoHyun Park performed a trio by Jean Françaix with clear structure and agile rhythm; pianists Lesi Mei and ChoHyun Park collaborated on a Rachmaninoff suite for two pianos, winning warm applause with its rich emotion and brilliant technique.
(Flute: Elena Yarritu)
(Cello-Flute-Piano Trio: Daniel Grab, Elena Yarritu, Cho-Hyun Park)
(Piano Duo: Lesi Mei, Cho-Hyun Park)
(Pianist from New York: Peter Fancovic)
The vocal segments were equally brilliant. Soprano Carly Cummings sang "Porgi Amor" from Mozart’s opera The Marriage of Figaro with delicate tone and sincere emotion; baritone Erik van Heyningen performed "Ah! per sempre io ti perdei" from Bellini's opera I Puritani, demonstrating mature and tension-filled operatic expression. A quartet composed of Emily Yun Li, Min Teng, Howard Liu, and Erik van Heyningen performed "Soave sia il vento". Their balanced harmony and rich layering fully reflected Bel Canto's high requirements for vocal collaboration and overall musicality.
(Soprano: Carly Cummings)
（Baritone: Erik van Heyningen）
（ Erik van Heyningen, Emily Yun Li, Min Teng, Howard Liu）
The instrumental performances were also wonderful and diverse. Violinist Filip Pogády performed Kreisler’s "Variations on a Theme of Corelli" and Paganini’s "Carnival of Venice," featuring dazzling technique without losing musical depth; cellist Francisco Vila performed Cassadó’s "Prelude and Fantasy" with a deep tone and restrained emotion. Trumpeter James Vaughen and pianist Peter Fancovic presented trumpet adaptations of works by Florence Price, Debussy, and Chopin, showcasing the trumpet’s rich expression in both lyricism and technique. Flutist Elena Yarritu, with her clear and agile tone across multiple pieces, was one of the highlights of the evening's chamber music performances.
（Trumpet: James Vaughen）
（Violin: Filip Pogády）
（Cello: Francisco Vila）
（ Duo: Violinist Filip Pogády, Cellist Francisco Vila）
The concert also specially presented programs blending Eastern and Western music. Deep in the Bamboo Forest was performed by Weiping Wang (Yangqin), Hao Wen (Guzheng), and Xinyu Wang (Hulusi). The Eastern instrumental colors were exceptionally charming in the Western concert hall, embodying the foundation’s inclusive artistic philosophy.
（ "Deep in the Bamboo Forest", Yangqin: Weiping Wang, Guzheng: Hao Wen, Hulusi: Xinyu Wang）
The concert came to a successful conclusion with a "Waltz Medley" by Strauss, arranged by Ms. Lucy C. Lin. All the musicians performed together on stage as melodies such as "The Blue Danube" and "Tales from the Vienna Woods" intertwined, symbolizing the fruitful results of ten years of cultivation and signifying a new starting point for the Bel Canto Performance Foundation as it moves into its next decade.
(Finale: "Waltz Medley")
The wonderful performances of the musicians won rounds of applause from the audience. The audience gave high praise to the concert, which was personally planned and directed by Ms. Lin, who is over eighty years old. Wendy, an audience member who previously worked in the arts, stated: "The performers invited were all very excellent professional musicians. With their professional and wonderful interpretations, they presented a true visual and auditory feast for the audience... I pay tribute to Ms. Lin’s hard work and dedication, and I also thank the artists for their brilliant performances".
This 10th-anniversary concert also experienced a thrilling interlude. The concert was originally planned to be held in the professional theater of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, but at 5:30 PM on the day of the performance, when the musicians arrived, they discovered the theater had a sudden power outage for unknown reasons. As the concert faced forced cancellation and hundreds of audience members already on their way might have had to return home, Ms. Lin, with an insistent attitude of responsibility toward the audience and the arts, continued to communicate and coordinate with the center. Ultimately, the concert was moved to the indoor gymnasium at the other end of the building. Staff and volunteers acted quickly, moving two pianos from the theater to the gymnasium and setting up over 300 chairs within just half an hour, ensuring the concert started on time. As a result, the venue was packed to capacity, and some audience members even stood throughout the performance. This unexpected episode became one of the most moving memories of the evening.
Over the past ten years, Ms. Lin has discovered and cultivated many highly potential young musicians. While attending her niece's high school graduation, she noticed James Vaughen, who was then still a student, and invited him to the Bel Canto stage multiple times. Today, James has grown into the principal trumpet of the Minnesota Orchestra and will take up the position of principal trumpet for the Philadelphia Orchestra this fall. Similarly, while watching a musical at Poway High School, Ms. Lin discovered the artistic potential of Erik van Heyningen, who was playing a supporting role. She encouraged him to pursue systematic vocal studies and challenged him by saying: "If I don't see you on stage in five years, then you have failed". Today, Erik has become a baritone at the Frankfurt Opera in Germany. For this concert, he specially flew to San Diego to perform, which was both a commitment to art and a deep expression of gratitude to his mentor.
The 10th Anniversary Memorial Concert was not only a high-level artistic presentation but also a testament to heritage and hope. Just as the foundation’s original intention suggests, the Bel Canto stage will continue to light the way for young musicians, ensuring that the art of fine singing is passed down from generation to generation. Filip, the famous violinist from New York who has participated in every Bel Canto concert, said: "I hope I can participate in Bel Canto concerts for another ten years!"
(Text/Photo: Hugh Wang (王惠豫))
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【《We Chinese in America》Media August 29, 2025】The Bel Canto Performance Foundation is excited to announce the first Young Artist Auditions for young musicians in California.
Auditions will be held virtually through video recordings. The winners will receive a monetary prize and take part in a concert performance with world-renowned musicians.
Competition Dates and Deadlines
● Application Deadline: September 16, 2025
● Video Submission Deadline: September 20, 2025
● Results Posting: September 27, 2025
● Winner Concert Performance: November 8, 2025
Eligibility
- All participants must be residents of the State of California.
- All instrumentalists must be between the ages of 10 and 30 on September 16, 2025
- All vocalists must be between the ages of 15 and 35 on September 16, 2025.
2025 Audition Repertoire
Instrumentalists
● One piece from the Baroque or Classical period
-and-
● One piece from the Romantic or 20th/21st century period
The pieces from either period can be one or more movements from a sonata or suite, minimum 5 minutes total.
At least one piece to have a piano part and be recorded with a live piano.
Participants to provide their own live piano accompaniment. No amplifier microphone or MMO (“music minus one”) allowed.
Both works to be played with memorization.
Vocalists
● One Italian art song (selection from Arie Antiche)
-and-
● One Broadway musical or opera aria
Participants to provide their own live piano accompaniment. No amplifier microphone or MMO (“music minus one”) allowed.
Both works to be sung with memorization.
Sheet Music Requirement
PDF scans of all scores (with piano part if applicable) to be uploaded with the application.
Competition Details
Competition Format
Participants must complete the application by September 16, 2025 (see link below) along with the $30 registration fee, paid via PayPal.
By September 20, 2025, participants must submit two preliminary video performances in the form of recorded YouTube links (link forthcoming).
Supporting links:
- Main application
- Video and sheet music upload
- Pay link
Results
Participants will be notified of their results via email by September 27, 2025. One musician for each category will be chosen for a $100 prize, and will perform in the “Bel Canto Next Generation” concert on November 8, 2025. Categories are piano, strings, woodwind, brass, high voice, and low voice.
Rehearsals
As “Bel Canto Next Generation” is a joint concert, audition winners will not only play one of their solo pieces, but will also perform a chamber music piece with professional musicians.
The chamber music piece and 1-2 rehearsal times will be chosen collectively by the professional musician, audition winner, and Bel Canto competition committee.
Concert
The “Bel Canto Next Generation” concert will be held at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, on November 8, 2025 at 2pm.
One $1,000 First Prize, one $500 Second Prize, and one $300 Third Prize will be given after the concert, chosen by audience vote.
The Judges
Piano: Dr. Cho-Hyun Park, Lesi Mei
Strings: Filip Pogády, Francisco Vila
Woodwind: Dr. Elena Yarritu, Dr. Todd Rewoldt
Brass: James Vaughen
Voice: Lucy Lin
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Attn: Lesi Mei
More Details
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【《We Chinese in America》Media Editor Hugh Wang, May 16, 2024】We’re proud to present another year of exceptional music, featuring talented
artists from around the country alongside San Diego favorites.
Vocal Highlights:
● César Andrés Parreño: This captivating tenor, attending Juilliard school of Music, the first
and only Ecuadorian to attend the prestigious school, will grace the stage with his mesmerizing
voice, praised by the Wall Street Journal and Opera Today. He's also a 2023 Duncan Williams
Voice Competition winner (Emerging Artist).
● Becca Ung: San Diego's own mezzo-soprano returns, having impressed audiences with her
beautiful voice in "Romance of the Western Chamber." as Lady Tsui. She will perform two
pieces, including the beloved "La Serenata," accompanied by her father, Rev. Tang, on violin.
Instrumental Delights:
Instrument Trio: Experience the masterful sounds of Daniel Grave (cello), Elena Yarritu
(flute), and ChoHyun Park (piano). These accomplished local musicians and educators will
treat you to their artistry.
● Chinese Instrument Duos: Immerse yourself in the unique sounds of Weiping Wang on the
Yangqin (Chinese dulcimer) and Hao Wen on the Guzheng.
● Returning Veterans: Violinist Filip Pogady and saxophonist Todd Rewoldt bring their
passion and expertise back to the stage, ready to enthrall the audience.
Grand Finale: Carmen Extravaganza
Don't miss our exciting finale! Be captivated by Cesar’s rendition of the famed "Flower Song"
from Carmen, followed by Becca's powerful "Habanera," accompanied by the Chinese Choral
Society. To conclude, Filip and Todd will present a unique interpretation of "Carmen Fantasy"
on violin and saxophone, joined by phenomenon pianists, Lesi Mei and ChoHyun Park.
Join Us!
Experience an evening filled with beautiful music and exciting performances. Your presence
will add to the magic of this concert. We look forward to seeing you there and thank you for
supporting these talented musicians!
Concert Info:
Time: Saturday, June 1, 2024, 7:00 pm
WHERE: Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA 92121 (near UTC Mall)
Suggested Donation: $25/person; Contact: (858) 952-4993
Purchase tickets online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/belcanto-ensemble-2024-tickets-899592614727?aff=oddtdtcreator
(Source: Bel canto Performance Fundation)
【《We Chinese in America》Media April 20, 2025】
Dear Friends and Supporters,
On behalf of the board members and musicians, I am pleased to invite you to our 9th
Bel Canto Ensemble 2025 Concert, which will be held on Saturday, June 14 at 7:00
PM at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church.
This year, we are thrilled to feature many of our returning musicians, including the
renowned violinist Filip Pogady, saxophonist Todd Rewoldt, flautist Elena Yarritu,
and pianists Cho-Hyun Park and Lesi Mei. We are also excited to welcome vocalists,
Becca Ung, Ming Teng, and Howard Liu, who will join us for a selection of vocal
music. Once again, we will be showcasing Yangqin (Chinese dulcimer) performed by
Wang Weiping.
We are especially excited to present Ruslan Biyukov, cellist and principal cellist of the
Temecula Valley Symphony Orchestra. Praised by the LA Times and Virginia Opera.
As always, we will conclude the evening with a special Finale, highlighting the unique
sound of each instrument. Plus a young & multi talented traditional Chinese instrumentalist XinYu Wang for his first appearance in our concert showcasing Xiao and
Sanxian.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued support of the Bel
Canto Performance Foundation. Your generosity has made it possible for us to bring
high-quality, sold-out classical music concerts year after year. Please mark your
calendars for the Bel Canto 2025 concert, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you again for your unwavering support.
Sincerely,
Lucy C. Lin
President, Bel Canto Performance Foundation < https://belcantoperformancefoundation.com >
Our previous concerts <https://belcantoperformancefoundation.com/events.html>
BelCanto Ensemble 2025
Saturday, June 14, 2025 Saturday, 7pm
Good Samaritan Episcopal Church
4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA 92121
Suggested donation: $25 Contact: (858)952-4993
The largest Chinese New Year celebration banquet of its kind in San Diego will be hosted by Chinese School of San Diego and House of China, Balboa Park, on Saturday, January 27, 2024. This is their 43rd Chinese New Year banquet and their annual signature fundraiser benefitting two of San Diego’s oldest cultural and educational nonprofit institutions, dedicated to preserving Chinese culture. This event will bid adieu to the Year of the Water Rabbit and usher in the Year of the Wood Dragon with fabulous entertainment and delicious banquet food.
The Chinese New Year banquet will be held at Jasmine Seafood Restaurant and enjoyed by a crowd of almost 400 guests, community leaders, and dignitaries. The evening includes a scrumptious traditional eight-course feast of Chinese New Year dishes with festive lucky symbolism; exciting entertainment to include festive lion dancing, live band music, and a rare and special dance by the elusive and auspicious dragon.
The evening also includes an opportunity-drawing event with fabulous prizes including one China Airlines’ round-trip ticket to Taipei and a raffle grand prize of $1,000 in cash. There will also be many more great prizes to include gift certificates, Chinese artwork, and many specially prepared gift baskets donated by community members affiliated to the Chinese School of San Diego and House of China.
Chinese School of San Diego is the oldest language school in San Diego with a history of over 100 years, accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Besides Mandarin and Chinese culture, Chinese School of San Diego is the only Chinese school in San Diego to offer classes in Cantonese as well. Each Saturday, Chinese School of San Diego is open for all levels of classes to children, teens, and adults of all ages.
House of China was founded in 1935 with a mission to preserve and promote Chinese culture and friendship. Every weekend, House of China welcomes thousands of visitors in Balboa Park. In addition, House of China annually sponsors a Chinese essay contest, co-hosts Moon Festival as well as many other cultural events in Balboa Park.
To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact the Chinese School of San Diego at (858) 565-8008 or 该Email地址已收到反垃圾邮件插件保护。要显示它您需要在浏览器中启用JavaScript。
