Press Release
May 25, 2007
Jung-Ho Pak Awarded Asian Heritage Award in Performing Arts at May 23rd Event

San Diego, CA (May 25, 2007) – Chosen by public vote, Jung-Ho Pak Artistic Director and Conductor of the San Diego Chamber Orchestra, was honored Tuesday afternoon for his achievements and leadership in the San Diego performing arts community. At a ceremony hosted by ASIA, The Journal of Culture & Commerce, Jung-Ho Pak was recognized by the community as an influential and visual leader in classical music.  In addition to his work with the Orchestra, Maestro Pak was recognized for his work with the public as a frequent speaker on television and radio about the relevance of art in society and the importance of music in education.  At the 2006 Asia Heritage Awards, Maestro Pak was the keynote speaker.  In his remarks he spoke about "orchestrating the Asian arts community," focusing on how the various constituencies can join together to increase their influence in San Diego County. His speech is available at www.sdco.org/speech.shtml.

Presenting the award to Maestro Pak was Vicky Basehore, President and Chief Operating Officer of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. The Orchestra has recently formed a relationship with California Center for the Arts, Escondido to bring a family concert series to the Arts Center next season.

In response to the Asian Heritage Award, Winnie Briney, Executive Director of the Orchestra, states, “We appreciate the work that Len Novarro and Rosalynn Carmen, Publishers ASIA, The Journal of Culture & Commerce, do to bring this awards ceremony to the San Diego Community and are honored that Jung-Ho Pak was recognized.”

Maestro Pak has developed a reputation as a dynamic musician with innovative ideas. Maestro Pak’s vision for classical music includes revitalizing its role and relevancy in today’s society.”My passion is to make great classical music meaningful for this generation and the next,” states Pak. “So rarely do we see an Orchestra today that fully expresses how the music touches them on an emotionally relevant level, thus allowing the audience to truly experience the music.”  The San Diego Chamber Orchestra’s mission is to enrich lives by awakening the drama in the music.

Initiating a bold new course for the orchestra, Maestro Pak’s artistic direction has contributed to increased ticket sales of 10.5% in the 2006-2007 season.  The 2007-2008 season subscriptions are underway and sales are strong.

For more information, photos or to arrange to interview Jung-Ho Pak, please contact Kristin Behrmann: email marketing@sdco.org phone 858-350-0290, ext 6