South Orange County Orchestra
The South Orange County Orchestra is a brand new orchestra bringing world class performances to South Orange County. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and unite audiences through music that celebrates both tradition and innovation, creating a vibrant cultural home for our community.
About
The South Orange County Orchestra is Orange County’s newest orchestra, dedicated to bringing world class symphonic music to our community. Founded in 2025, SOCO seeks to inspire, connect, and uplift audiences through performances that celebrate both timeless classics and fresh, accessible works.With its home in South Orange County, SOCO is committed not only to artistic excellence but also to meaningful community impact. Through concerts, collaborations, and educational initiatives, we aim to make orchestral music an integral part of life in South Orange County and beyond. Our vision is to create a vibrant cultural home where musicians, audiences, and young people alike can experience the transformative power of live music.
Concerts
Inaugural Concert: April 11, 2026
(More details coming soon)
Board Members
Hankyol Koo - Founder
Dr. Shawn Hamilton
Anthony Zueck
Alex Deng - Advisor
Alex Deng
Alex Deng is an American conductor, composer, violist, and arts advocate whose work sits at the intersection of symphonic music, civic leadership, and public affairs. As the Co Founder and Artistic Director of the San Gabriel Valley Symphony, a special initiative of Arts Bridging The Gap, Alex leads with a mission to reimagine what a symphony can be, expanding access, amplifying unheard voices, and using music as a tool for civic engagement. He views the orchestra not just as a performing ensemble, but as a mutual aid organization for the arts: responsive to community needs, built on solidarity, and grounded in cultural equity. Alex Deng is currently Artist in Residence at Arts Bridging the Gap, where he leads the San Gabriel Valley Symphony special initiative. In 2024, he was awarded the Create CA Arts Now Leader Grant for his contribution to music education advocacy in the San Gabriel Valley. Recently, He was awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Legislature by Assemblymember Mike Fong (49th District) for founding the San Gabriel Valley Symphony and presenting its inaugural concert on August 23rd at the Barnes Park Amphitheatre, which drew over 1,000 attendees. In addition, he formerly served as Student Outreach Officer on Through The Staff, a 501C3 music education nonprofit providing virtual private lessons to underserved communities.Founded in 2025, the San Gabriel Valley Symphony is a new professional regional orchestra based in Los Angeles County, just 10 miles east of Downtown LA. It brings together a coalition of civic leaders, professional musicians, and arts advocates committed to building a vibrant cultural home for the San Gabriel Valley. The orchestra is dedicated to community resilience, equitable access, and the transformative power of public performance. In their inaugural season, the SGV Symphony has secured partnerships with the city of San Gabriel, the city of Monterey Park, and was awarded a grant from the Monterey Park Healing Fund. Alex currently serves on the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse strategic planning committee with a sole mission to lead efforts in transforming the San Gabriel Valley into a cultural epicenter for the arts.Alex made his international conducting debut in 2022 with the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, taking the stage in a sold-out program that featured the premiere of his original work Torch of Dreams, performed alongside music by John Williams. He has since conducted the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra premiering his piece Solidarity March, Sofia Philharmonic, and Vratsa Sinfonietta, among others.As a composer and conductor, Alex has led numerous professional studio recording sessions for film and video game projects, working with ensembles such as the Northern Film Orchestra (UK), European Recording Orchestra (Bulgaria), Tokyo SoundLink and Budapest Scoring Orchestra (Hungary). He has conducted his original works as well as commercial scores, blending cinematic and classical idioms. His recent compositions include Victory, Love, and Farewell, a tribute to the victims of the Monterey Park mass shooting and Winds of Solidarity, commissioned for the Stanislaus County Honor Band. As a freelance violist, Alex has performed with the Dream Orchestra of Los Angeles, LA Sinfonietta, and the Roudaki Orchestra under the baton of Shardad Rohani, Daniel Suk and Larry Livingston. He has appeared at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Aratani Theatre, and Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and currently serves as a string teaching artist at Alhambra High School. He plays on a 1942 Viola by Carlton F. Stanley.Outside the concert hall, Alex produces large scale live events for classical musicians and educators, and supports national touring productions across the United States. His arts administration experience includes internships with the American Youth Symphony, Boston Festival Orchestra, and Pacific Symphony working in marketing, public affairs and social media. Alex founded the Jazz on Main Street concert series in 2024, which brings high caliber jazz talent to the San Gabriel Valley. In their inaugural season of Jazz On Main Street, Alex produced 10 succesful shows with notable concerts including Japanese jazz fusion, bossa nova, and straight ahead.Raised in a working class immigrant family in Alhambra, California, Alex studied music and public policy at the University of Southern California. In his formative years, Alex Deng was active in local and state politics in California. He was awarded the Grassroots Alhambra scholarship in 2018 for his advocacy work in the San Gabriel Valley and the same year, he interned for Gavin Newsom's 2018 gubernatorial campaign. His dual background in the arts and civic leadership shapes every project he takes on whether mentoring young composers, launching community concert series, or partnering with city governments to make orchestral music part of everyday life. Through the San Gabriel Valley Symphony, he is building a homegrown institution grounded in community, culture, and the belief that symphonic music can change lives.Alex Deng is represented by Price Attractions & Artist Management.
Anthony Zueck
Antho Zueck is a licensed Broker Associate with Bullock Russell Real Estate Services. Known as Mr. Hyperlocal, he grew up in Laguna Niguel and specializes in the South Orange County market. His success in real estate has been well-founded upon his life experience which allows him to authentically connect with clients from all walks of life, and all over the globe. He does residential, commercial, and business transactions.Antho operates a successful YouTube channel which publishes real estate education videos and videos on local interest stories. He has had multiple videos go viral online and been interviewed and published in the Orange County Register.For 10 years he served as an educator and private school director and his expertise and connections with local schools are prized by locals and families moving to the area. He is active in the Chinese expat community and speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese.Outside of real estate Antho maintains many hobbies through which he connects with clients. In his prior work with OC Lifeguards he traveled every inch of the Orange County coastline and is an expert on the local beaches. In the winter he serves as an elite basketball referee for South Orange County high schools. He also contributes as a volunteer to the Laguna Ocean Foundation and Naturalist For You as a naturalist educator. He is a member of the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, the Laguna Niguel Historical Society, and the Laguna Niguel Military Support Committee. He serves on the Board of Directors for Sally's Fund of Laguna Beach and the South Orange County Orchestra.
Hankyol Koo
Hankyol Koo is the Founder and Artistic Director of the South Orange County Orchestra, where he brings a passion for performance, education, and community engagement to the podium. He holds an AA in Music from Mt. San Antonio College, a BM in Music Education from Biola University, an MM in Choral Conducting from Azusa Pacific University, and an EdM in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.As a chorister, Hankyol has performed in multiple international choral competitions as well as at multiple regional and national American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conferences. His conducting credits include major sacred works such as Fauré’s Requiem and Duruflé’s Requiem with John West at Hollywood United Methodist Church, and Schubert’s Mass in G with Northminster Presbyterian Church in Diamond Bar, CA.Beyond the podium, Hankyol is committed to the next generation of musicians. He serves as a Teaching Artist with the Grammy winning Pacific Chorale Academy, and he founded the NPC Music Education Initiative at Northminster Presbyterian Church, a program providing conducting opportunities for music education majors from Cal State Long Beach, Azusa Pacific University, Biola University, Cal State Fullerton, and Mt. San Antonio College.Hankyol continues to develop his craft through study with internationally acclaimed conductor Tianyi Lu, and he has participated in workshops with leading pedagogues including Diane Wittry, Gary Lewis, Lawrence Golan, Anna Edwards, and Scott Weiss.In addition to his musical career, Hankyol is also an actor, appearing in commercials for major brands including Hyundai, Samsung, and a recent ESPN skit alongside Jim Gaffigan. His dual careers in music and performance reflect his lifelong commitment to storytelling, creativity, and inspiring audiences across artistic disciplines.
Dr. Shawn Hamilton
Coming soon.
Conductors
Hankyol Koo - Artistic Director
Vincent Rodriguez - Assistant Conductor
Hankyol Koo
Hankyol Koo is the Founder and Artistic Director of the South Orange County Orchestra, where he brings a passion for performance, education, and community engagement to the podium. He holds an AA in Music from Mt. San Antonio College, a BM in Music Education from Biola University, an MM in Choral Conducting from Azusa Pacific University, and an EdM in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.As a chorister, Hankyol has performed in multiple international choral competitions as well as at multiple regional and national American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conferences. His conducting credits include major sacred works such as Fauré’s Requiem and Duruflé’s Requiem with John West at Hollywood United Methodist Church, and Schubert’s Mass in G with Northminster Presbyterian Church in Diamond Bar, CA.Beyond the podium, Hankyol is committed to the next generation of musicians. He serves as a Teaching Artist with the Grammy winning Pacific Chorale Academy, and he founded the NPC Music Education Initiative at Northminster Presbyterian Church, a program providing conducting opportunities for music education majors from Cal State Long Beach, Azusa Pacific University, Biola University, Cal State Fullerton, and Mt. San Antonio College.Hankyol continues to develop his craft through study with internationally acclaimed conductor Tianyi Lu, and he has participated in workshops with leading pedagogues including Diane Wittry, Gary Lewis, Lawrence Golan, Anna Edwards, and Scott Weiss.In addition to his musical career, Hankyol is also an actor, appearing in commercials for major brands including Hyundai, Samsung, and a recent ESPN skit alongside Jim Gaffigan. His dual careers in music and performance reflect his lifelong commitment to storytelling, creativity, and inspiring audiences across artistic disciplines.
Vincent Rodriguez
Coming soon.
Musicians
The South Orange County Orchestra collaborates with a diverse roster of musicians from across Southern California. Not all roster members perform in every concert, but each contributes to SOCO’s musical community and performances throughout the season.
Violins
Carmen Marquez
Dianna Gray
Irene Kang
Grace Lee
Violas
Gina Caviar
Janine Lai
Cellos
Maura Phelps
Basses
Flutes
Abraham Hernandez
Emily Harrington
Emmie Head
Clarinets
Dmitry Pavlyuk
Gabby Vivona
Garrett Walker
Hiroshi Ikeda
Jose Moreno
Khải Niên Nguyễn
Oboes
Bennett Imai
Bassoons
Adrian Wu
Dan Weiss
Kai Lee
Horns
Caleb Durant
Gabby Baniqued
Josh Olson
Neven Basener
Timothy Moy
Trumpets
Alex Santiago
Keith Ransons
Mia Carrera
Philip Pacier
Susanna Sun
William Parada
Zachary Spiess
Trombones
Elijah Parra
Matt Kubis
Matthew McGraw
Michael Medina
Paul De La Rosa
Shannon Leslie
Vincent Basurto
Tubas
Alex Tran
Derek Zimmerman
Gregory Barnes
Joe Mora
Logan Westerviller
Michael Salgado
Nathan Tang
Timpani
Deniz Aktas
Percussion
Ethan Schneider
Greg Ozment
Matthew Smith
Keyboard
Alexis Ohmar
Amelia Thompson
Harp
Caroline Reyes
Chiara Solar
Andrew Fong
Andrew Fong is a french hornist in the Orange County and LA areas performing throughout Southern California with Southland Wind Ensemble, South Bay Wind Ensemble and Liminal Voices and Orchestra. He has also played for various collegiate ensembles, studio recordings, and chamber ensembles.Andrew has had experiences orchestral hornist as well as an arts administrator and educator. As an arts administrator, he has done work and projects for groups such as Pacific Symphony, Gay Freedom Band of LA, and Liminal Voices and Orchestra. As an educator, he has worked with high school students to prepare them for extracurricular ensembles and future collegiate endeavors.
Anna Matuszczak
Anna Matuszczak is a classically trained violinist dedicated to the performance and preservation of orchestral and chamber music. She collaborates with several Southern California ensembles, including the Cabrillo Chamber Orchestra, Coronado Philharmonia, Poway Symphony Orchestra, and City Ballet Orchestra of San Diego. In addition to her orchestral work, she participates in recording sessions between Los Angeles and Orange County, performs chamber music, and occasionally appears as a soloist. Beyond performing, Ms. Mat maintains a private teaching studio, where she prepares students for auditions, performances, and music examinations. Her artistry is marked by a refined tone, expressive depth, and a strong commitment to musical excellence in both performance and education.
Antonina Styczeń
Antonina Styczeń is a versatile flutist, educator, and emerging scholar whose work bridges orchestral, contemporary, and cinematic music. She performs regularly as a substitute with the Pacific Symphony and is a current Fellow of the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble, where she collaborates with leading composers and conductors. Her playing can also be heard on the 2024 Latin Grammy–winning soundtrack, Pedro Osuna’s Cada Minuto Cuenta. A First Prize winner of the National Flute Association Young Artist Competition and recipient of numerous other awards, she brings artistry and innovation to every performance. Her album, Mieczysław Wajnberg: Works for Flute, received the German Critics’ Award, earning international acclaim for its expressive depth and technical mastery. At the University of Southern California, she serves as flute instructor and is pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts in Flute Performance and Musicology. An accomplished private teacher, her students perform in top ensembles across Orange County and beyond. Dedicated to community and leadership, she is also the President of the San Diego Flute Guild, fostering artistic growth and connection among flutists of all levels.
Catherine Baker
Catherine Baker is the principal flutist of the Bakersfield Symphony and Orchestra Santa Monica. She is established in Los Angeles as a versatile artist with projects spanning orchestral performance, studio recording, chamber music, education, and graphic design. Catherine was the First Place Winner of the 2018 Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia Young Artist Competition and the Second Place Winner of the 2019 National Flute Association Orchestral Audition and Masterclass Competition. As a founding member of the Cardinal Winds Quintet/Sextet, she competed in the 2015 Plowman Chamber Music Competition Finals in Columbia, Missouri; the 2015 Coleman Chamber Competition Finals in Pasadena, California; and the 2015 Fischoff National Chamber Music Association Competition Semi-finals in South Bend, Indiana. The group was honored to receive the Grand Prize at the 2015 Plowman Chamber Music Competition.Mrs. Baker previously held the principal flute chairs with the American Youth Symphony and the YMF Debut Orchestra, where she received the Special Recognition Award, earning a featured solo performance with the orchestra under the direction of Roger Kalia. Catherine has performed with ensembles throughout California including the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony, Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, Modesto Symphony, Muse-ique, Riverside Philharmonic, San Bernardino Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony and Redlands Symphony. Catherine’s artistry has also taken her nationally, performing with the New World Symphony in Florida, the Tanglewood Music Center in Massachusetts, and the South Dakota Symphony. Equally at home in the recording studio, Catherine has performed flute, piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute for numerous recording projects, including video games, documentaries, and short films. Mrs. Baker’s primary instructors include Jim Walker, Marianne Gedigian, Jennifer Keeney, Sydney Carlson, and Sandra Benke.
Chloe Descher
Chloe Descher is a flutist and educator based in Los Angeles, CA. She is currently a fellow with the Civic Orchestra of Los Angeles and recently finished residency as the piccolo/3rd flute player with the California Young Artists’ Symphony. She has also performed with the San Bernardino Symphony, Downey Symphony Orchestra, American Youth Symphony, Genesis Opera Theatre, and more. She received her master’s degree in flute performance from the University of Southern California, studying with Catherine Ransom-Karoly, Associate Principal Flute of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Chloe also received a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Kansas, under the tutelage of Dr. Daniel Velasco.Chloe has performed at music festivals such as Rocky Ridge Music Center, Flauti al Castello, and the Sunflower Music Festival. She has also performed in masterclasses for renowned flutists such as Carol Wincenc, Leone Buyse, Paula Robison, Mark Sparks, and Amy Porter. In competition, Chloe received 3rd prize at the Flute Society of St. Louis’ Young Artist Competition, and was a semi-finalist for the Naftzger competition and San Diego Flute Guild Young Artists’ Competition. She can be heard on the American Youth Symphony’s recordings of Kris Bowers Violin Concerto, and on the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble’s Album “Freedom from Fear”.Chloe is a passionate teacher and has been teaching privately for seven years. She enjoys teaching both flute and piano lessons, and hopes to provide a meaningful and educational experience to all her students. In her free time, Chloe enjoys spending time at the beach, baking, and playing with her two cats, Oliver and Penny.
Daniel Apolonio
Filipino-American violinist and violist Daniel Apolonio is currently pursuing his M.M. at Cal State Long Beach under the tutelage of Moni Simeonov, and graduated from New York University with a B.M. in Violin Performance and a minor in Web Development, where he studied with Giora Schmidt and Gregory Fulkerson. An active orchestral musician, he has served as concertmaster of the New York University Orchestra for 3 seasons as well as the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music Symphony Orchestra. He is also a substitute musician with the New World Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony, Culver City Symphony, and Santa Monica Symphony. He has performed in venues such as the James B. Duke House in Manhattan, Thayer Hall at Colburn, Harris Concert Hall in Aspen, and Gilles-Lefebvre Concert Hall in Québec, in addition to having collaborated with artists such as Nelson Padgett and Carlos Avila. He has played in masterclasses for artists such as Nathan Cole, Timothy Chooi, Haik Kazazyan, Stefan Jackiw, and David Kim. He has spent summers at Festival Napa Valley and the Aspen Music Festival. Previous awards include first place in the Southern California Philharmonic concerto competition and the preliminary round of the ASTA-LA solo competition, second place in the New York University concerto competition, and a full-scholarship to the Interlochen Summer Arts Academy. An alumnus of the Orange County School of the Arts, Daniel currently resides in Cerritos, California. Previous teachers include Cheri Hutchison Dierl, Sam Fischer, Cyrus Beroukhim, and Laurie Hamilton. Aside from violin, Daniel enjoys recreational weightlifting, playing basketball, and eating comfort food.
Daniel Shaffer
Daniel is a Biola University alumnus, where he studied violin under Elizabeth Freeman and graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in Music. Starting violin at age 4, music remains at the core of his many interests. He and his wife now reside in Lake Forest, where they create music in their home studio and enjoy exploring local hiking trails together.
Daphne Tsao
A native of Taiwan, Daphne Tsao began her musical training on piano at age 3, and on the Violin at age 7. When she was 9, she performed her television debut as the defending violinist champion on the Taiwanese show 5 Lights Award (similar to the US show “Star Search”). Since then, she has toured with orchestras throughout Japan, Singapore, Australia, the USA and Europe.Daphne is the winner and recipient of several awards and prizes, from organizations such as the Taiwanese Bureau of Art and Culture, the Southwestern Youth Music Festival, the International Young Music Festival and the Madelyn Serbin Scholarship.She earned her BA in Violin Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, has studied with Curtis Macomber and Arianna Bronne. Daphne was the recipient of a full scholarship and teaching assistantship from New York University, where she received her Master’s Degree in Violin Performance.Daphne has been a member of the violin section in the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, the Uruek Symphony Orchestra, the Madison Symphony Orchestra, the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra, the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra and the Water City Chamber Orchestra.She has played under the batons of leading conductors including Claudio Abbado, Kurt Masur, Leon Botstein, Zdenek Macal, Carl St. Clair, Yahja Lin and John Williams, and collaborated with a number of soloists including Lang Lang , Yuja Wang , Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman, Jean Yves Thibaudet, Sarah Chang, Steve Isserlis, Wendy Warner, Cho-Liang Jimmy Lin, Nai-Yuan Hu, Nathan Cole, Lucia Micarelli, Nadia Sonnenberg, Regina Carter, Mark O’ Connor, Maxim Vengerov and Dawn Upshaw.She has performed in numerous venues in New York City, including the Stern Auditorium, Perlman Stage, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center, as well as in Broadway and Off-Broadway theater productions such as Bright Star, Sweeney Todd, A Gentleman’s Guild to Love and Murder, Sunday in the Park with George, Mack and Mable, Shrek, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, Les Miserables, West Side Story, and Into the Woods, just to name a few.Well versed in all styles of music, Daphne has also performed in Los Angeles with the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra in the Disney Concert Hall, with Googoosh in the Microsoft Theatre (formerly Nokia Theatre); with Moein in the Greek Theatre; Shawn Stockmen of Boyz II Men, Junho Son, Sohyun Kim, Eric Nam, actor Randall Park, Babyface at Disney Hall and with Singer Landy Wen and Lin You Chun in the Aria/MGM Chinese New Year Gala Concert.She can be found in various studios around Los Angeles such as the Village Recording Studio, the EastWest Studios, the Eastwood Scoring Stage, the Newman Scoring Stage, the Bridge Studio, the Westlake Studio, the Sony Pictures Scoring Stage and the Capital Records Studio with singer/ producer Alan Parson.Highlights for recording session work include films : “The Lord of the Rings”, “Inseparable” and Netflix show “Chef’s Table” and NBC prime time show “Days of Our Lives - Beyond Salem“.She also performed the American National Anthem for the Green Bay Packers of the NFL at the Lambeau Field Stadium and also in 2019 for Magic Johnson, she recorded for “The Super Bowl Today“ aired on CBS in the Eastwood Scoring Stage at Warner Bros. Studios. She played for the soundtrack and appeared in the last scene of the winner of the 96th Academy award for the Best Documentary Short Film: "The Last Repair Shop".
Domenico Hueso
Domenico Hueso is privileged to be actualized as a multi-faceted performer, improviser, composer and arranger. Nico’s passion for his art has lead him not only to different countries but also on musical endeavors embracing a myriad of genres; rock, pop, indie, flamenco, sea shanties, jazz, folk music, along with being a musical ambassador for the San Diego International Airport. As an entertainer Nico performs for centers for senior living, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and corporate events. Nico collaborates with local and international musicians ranging from musical theatre, opera, to free form improvisation. His original compositions have been premiered at Institutions such as the USC Thornton School, along with musical arrangements for San Diego Unified School district and beyond. His artistry can been heard on KPBS, BBC public radio and Amazon Prime Video. His performing expertise extends beyond the violin and viola. Includes acoustic and electric guitar, electric bass, mandolin and on occasion church organ. More about Nico: https://www.nicohueso.com/
Edward Pan
Edward Pan is a Taiwanese American violinist based in Los Angeles, known for blending classical artistry with a passion for cultural diversity and community connection. His performances have taken him around the world, from Varna International in Italy and International Chamber Music Alaska, to weddings and events in Cancún, Mexico, and recording projects for Beat On, London. He has also performed and recorded in Taipei and Hsinchu, Taiwan for family events, in Cologne, Germany for the VR startup Incantlas, and in Cambridge, UK with the band The Fourth Degree.Currently completing his Master’s degree at California State University, Northridge under Dr. Lorenz Gamma, Edward previously earned his Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach, where he studied with Dr. Sheng-Ching Hsu. He has also received mentorship from Dr. Brian Bak, Dr. David Garrett, and Philip Setzer of the Emerson String Quartet.Education and outreach are central to Edward’s mission as a musician. He teaches with Harmony Project, a nonprofit providing music education to underserved communities in Los Angeles, as well as through the Pasadena Youth Orchestra and La Habra Music Community. Beyond Harmony Project, he works with the Young Musicians Foundation, Evangelical Formosan Church of Arcadia, and Pasadena Unified School District’s after school programs. He also coaches strings at Dana Middle School and participates in Arcadia High School’s Summer Music Camp.Outside of music, Edward enjoys timelapse photography, videography, and travel. Previously he was also into dragon boat racing with the USC and Killer Guppies teams, continuing to find harmony between discipline, creativity, and adventure.
Emma Clausen
I grew up in a military family, so I moved around a bit, but started music in East Lyme, Connecticut, where I went to middle and high school. I studied with Jill Maurer Davis from 7th-12th grade, and in that time I competed in CMEA competitions such as Eastern Region and All States. Currently, I'm a Music Education and Music Therapy double major at Biola University, and spend a lot of time playing both flute and piccolo in ensembles throughout the year! I also now live with my family in Corona, CA! Outside of music, I really enjoy volleyball, traveling, and spending time with family and friends!
Emily Davies
My name is Emily Davies and I play the oboe and English horn. I am a current student at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music for oboe performance. I love playing for myself as well as teaching high school woodwind instrumentalists. I believe music is not just a universal language, but a universal phenomenon and I wish to share it.
Enzo Nigro
Raised by Brazilian immigrants in Aurora Illinois, Enzo Nigro is a double bassist with aspirations to one day perform as a member of a world class orchestra. Enzo currently studies with David Allen Moore at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of music and he has experience performing in professional orchestras in northeast Ohio. Outside of music, Enzo enjoys cooking, bowling, and surfing.
Garrett Levesque
Garrett Levesque is a violinist with over 20 years of playing experience. He got his start in Worcester in the public magnet schools. He performed in venues such as Mechanics Hall and Hanover Theater with artists ranging from Makayla Brown to Julie Andrews. Later in high school, in groups including the Worcester Youth Symphony, the Boston Youth Symphony, and district and all-state orchestra, he performed as an orchestral violinist and soloist at Symphony Hall, Sanders Theater, and Jordan Hall. He was selected as the associate principal second violin in the All-National Orchestra in Nashville Tennessee.In college, Garrett attended Cornell University and was a rotating principal player in the Symphony Orchestra which included tours to Ireland and Argentina with local professional orchestras. He participated extensively in chamber music at Cornell and during summers at Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music.He currently teaches a studio of students from as young as 4 years old to adult amateur violinists. He is a first violinist and serves as treasurer for Orchestra NOVA LA. He holds a degree in Chemistry and Chemical Biology and works on training AI models in chemistry and bio in addition to his teaching role.
Gina Buzzelli
A native of Bowling Green, OH, Gina Buzzelli is a freelance musician based in Los Angeles. She is currently a Violin Teaching Artist for YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) at Inglewood. Gina holds a Masters degree and a Graduate Certificate in violin performance from the University of Northern Colorado. At Ball State University she earned a BM in violin performance and was the recipient of the Presidential Scholarship in the Arts as well as the Presidential Academic Scholarship. Gina has had the opportunity to perform in masterclasses with artists such as Hilary Hahn, Felix Olschofka, Simon Roland-Jones, St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Orchestra, and Trio Solis. During the summers she has participated in numerous orchestral festivals including the National Repertory Orchestra, Round Top Festival Institute, Eastern Music Festival (as a student in 2013 and a string fellow in 2018), and the International Lyric Academy Opera Festival in Viterbo, Italy. She had the pleasure of sitting concertmaster for the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra for their 2025 season. In addition to being classically trained, Gina has pursued other genres participating in jazz combos at both Ball State University and the University of Northern Colorado, and has attended the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop, Mark O’Connor Fiddle Camp, and Blue Ridge Fiddle Camp. Furthermore, in May of 2015 she was a featured soloist with BSU’s top jazz band on their European Tour and is a founding member of the All Angles Orchestra and Dynamix String Quartet.
Holly Knoch
Holly Knoch is a violinist from Dallas, Texas, based in Los Angeles.She has most recently studied under the tutelage of Andrew McIntosh at the California Institute of the Arts, during which she received both modern and baroque violin instruction.Holly works in the LA area as a freelancer, improviser, arranger and teacher. She has played with many orchestras including the Galveston Symphony Orchestra, the American Youth Symphony, and has been part of collaborations with REDCAT. She currently plays with Los Angeles Baroque as their Concert Associate on baroque violin.Holly holds a Masters of Music for violin performance from the California Institute of the Arts and a Bachelor of Music for violin performance from the University of Houston.
Hui Cao
Violinist Hui Cao is an accomplished performer whose artistry has taken him across China, Europe, and the United States. He currently serves as a substitute violinist with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and has held section positions with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and Spokane Symphony Orchestra.A native of Shanghai, Hui earned his Bachelor of Performing Arts from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, following his studies at the Music Middle School Affiliated to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. He has performed extensively throughout Asia, serving as Concertmaster of the Macau Foundation Orchestra, First Violinist with the Macau Orchestra, and as a member of the Asia Youth Symphony Orchestra. His international experience includes performing as a guest violinist with the Gävle Symphony Orchestra in Sweden.Hui has distinguished himself in numerous orchestral auditions, reaching the final round with both the National Symphony Orchestra (June 2019) and the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra (April 2019). He was also a winner of the Bach Competition at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and a participant in the David Kim Orchestra Institute (DKOI).Throughout his career, Hui has studied and worked with many esteemed violinists and mentors, including David Kim, Nathan Cole, Lisa-Beth Lambert, Wang Bin, Li Weigang, and Zhang Zhenzha, whose guidance has helped shape his expressive and refined musicianship.
James Sherry
Trumpet soloist and composer James Sherry is a musician living in Southern California. James Sherry directed instrumental music programs at The Johns Hopkins University, University of Dubuque (Iowa), and Mahidol University College of Music in Thailand. In Asia, his institution hosted the World Saxophone Congress, the International Trumpet Guild Conference, the Asian Symphonic Band Festival, which he adjudicated in 2004 and 2005, and the Southeast Asian Youth Orchestra and Wind Ensemble (SAYOWE), where he was the Music Director of the SAYOWE All-Nations Ensemble, comprised of young professional musicians from Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar.An active clinician, Dr. Sherry has organized and presented successful workshops with hundreds of high schools and colleges and traveled as a clinician for Community Concerts, a subsidiary of Columbia Artists Management Incorporated, New York, and Young Audiences of Washington, DC. Dr. Sherry’s dissertation, entitled The New York Brass Quintet (1954-1985): Pioneers of Brass Chamber Music, is cited in three scholarly texts.Dr. Sherry, an instructor at Santa Ana College, previously taught in the Baltimore, Long Beach, Chicago, and Santa Ana public schools. His band received the top prize in the Chicago band festival. He was the coordinator and Music Director of the Baltimore School for the Arts TWIGS Band and conducted the Chicago Meritfest Honor Band in performance in the Chicago Symphony Center Orchestra Hall. He has worked with honor bands across the US and directed the University of Iowa Johnson County Landmark Jazz Ensemble in the 45th Annual Band Extravaganza in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.James received commendations for community service from Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer and the police chiefs of Baltimore and Washington, DC. Dr. Sherry began his career as a community organizer with at-risk youth in New York City and worked for a decade as a performing artist and music educator in Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Chicago.As a trumpet player, he has been featured throughout the US, including solo performances at Idyllwild Arts Academy, the Baltimore’s Artscape Festival, Maryland Institute for the Creative Arts (MICA), Peggy and Yale Gordon Trust Concert Series, the Foxboro Orpheum Theater in Boston, the National Jazz Park in New Orleans, the Kennedy Center, and hundreds of schools and colleges around the world, including residencies at Vietnam’s Hanoi Conservatory and in Alberta and Ontario, Canada. He was the First Prize winner at the Baltimore Chamber Music Competition with the Lyric Brass, as well as the First Prize winner in the “Catch A Rising Stars” Competition in Fairfax, Virginia. He has performed as principal trumpet with the Bay Atlantic Symphony (New Jersey), Columbia Pro Cantare (Maryland), Thailand Philharmonic, and the Peninsula Symphony (California), and as lead trumpet or jazz soloist with Slide Hampton, Buck Hill, the Russ Morgan Orchestra, and the Bob Hope Show.He now performs in the Greater Los Angeles Region with the Peninsula Symphony, Whittier Symphony, Shiri and the Shiribims Klezmer Band, Chicago Tribute Experience, and several jazz ensembles. He earned music degrees from Yale University and the Longy School of Music, and a doctorate from the Peabody Conservatory. His teachers include William Vacchiano, Allan Dean, Ed Hoffman, Langston Fitzgerald, Amy Schendel, and Chris Still. He lives with his wife and musical partner, Dr. Bang Lang Do, in Orange County, California.
Jane Levy
Jane Levy began her cello instruction with Elaine Armstrong in Long Beach at the age of seven. She formed her own String Quartet in high school and continues to play with a quartet called the "Enchanted Strings" doing parties, special events as well as special occasions.While in high school she toured Europe performing with the Orange County Youth Symphony and upon graduation from high school received a full music scholarship to Chapman University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and studied with Dr. Margerie Enix and Ian McKinnel. With the Chapman Chamber Orchestra she performed in China, Hawaii, Europe and toured both the East and West coasts of the United States.After graduation, she set up her own studio in Fountain Valley and began teaching private lessons. She continues to perform with her quartet "The Enchanted Strings" and her newest adventure includes a baby lullaby CD which she produced, wrote, and performed solo. The CD can be found at her website www.cellobyes.com.
Jasmine Kim
Jasmine Kim is a freelance violinist and self-started music entrepreneur. Jasmine performs in a variety of settings and is a teacher and coach to students of all ages. Based in Orange County, Jasmine plays primarily throughout Los Angeles and OC areas, but has also played out of state. Jasmine received her Bachelor’s in Music Performance at the Bob Cole Conservatory in California State University, Long Beach in 2014, studying alongside pedagogue Linda Rose, and formerly studying with Elizabeth Baker, former director of the Taos Music School and Los Angeles Philharmonic First Violinist. Jasmine was also coached by Stacy Wetzel, current first violinist in the LA Phil. She is currently a first violinist in the San Gabriel Valley Symphony Orchestra and is a wedding musician all throughout California. She loves her dog Hunter, collectibles, and crafting.
Jeocelyn Ramirez
Hi, I’m Jeocelyn Ramirez. I’ve been playing the violin for over ten years, beginning my musical journey in elementary school, where I first discovered my passion for music. Since then, I’ve performed in school, church, and community ensembles, and I’m excited to now be part of the South Orange County Orchestra. I recently graduated from Vanguard University with a degree in Kinesiology and am working toward becoming a physical therapist. Outside of music, I enjoy spending time with family, staying active, and finding meaningful ways to connect with others in my community.
Julian Pulido
I was born and raised in Los Angeles,CA. Attended Hamilton High School Academy of Music in Los Angeles. I studied with Terry Cravens at USC and graduated from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music where I was a Trombone performance (studying under Milton Stevens and James Desano) and Law and Society major. I was an officer in the United States Marine Corps where I had the privilege of playing and performing with the III MEF band while stationed in Okinawa, Japan. I am a member and perform regularly with the Los Angeles Symphonic Winds, Millennial Choir Orchestra of California, Redlands University Chamber Orchestra at venues such as Disney Hall, Dolby Theatre and Segerstrom Hall. Music has always been a passion of mine and has driven me to succeed in all aspects of my life.
Nathanael Peters
Nathanael Peters is a trombonist and music educator based in Southern California. Nathanael began playing trombone at the age of 11 years old and is a proud product of Southern California public schools. He is currently completing a B.M. in Trombone Performance at California State University, Fullerton studying under Michael Hoffman (formerly Principal Trombonist of the Pacific Symphony for 35 years). At CSUF, he currently serves as the Principal Trombone of the Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Kimo Furumoto and Co-Principal Trombone of the Wind Symphony under Dr. Dustin Barr.
Outside of his studies, he remains in demand as both a performer and an educator. Nathanael has performed with a variety of different ensembles including the California Young Artists Symphony, Conejo Valley Choral Society, and the Masterworks Festival Orchestra. He has also performed in a variety of commercial ensembles such as jazz combos, big bands, and with gospel bands. In 2024, he advanced to the final round in Division 1 of the American Trombone Workshop National Solo Competition, hosted by the “Pershing’s Own” U.S. Army Band in Washington D.C. As an educator, he maintains a robust studio of students of all ages, and is passionate about teaching the marching arts.
Nathanael has performed in masterclasses for such esteemed trombonists as Peter Moore, Brad Edwards, Richard Harris, Tony Baker, Bryan Heath, Scott Hartman, and Brittany Lasch. He is passionate about sharing his love for music with the next generation and continuing to make music with such incredible colleagues.
Nathan Swift
Nathan Swift has recently graduated from California State University Long Beach with a Masters in Music Performance. He has studied with Gabe Sears and Kevin Bock. He currently is the principal tubist of the Loyola Law Symphony, a part of the Symphonic Winds of the Pacific, and has been featured in performances with the Berkeley Symphony, Arizona Theater Company, and Bad Cactus Brass Band.
Nicholas Tseng
Born and raised in Southern California in a multi-cultural and multilingual household with English, Taiwanese, Japanese, and North American cultures and traditions, Nicholas brings this vibrant heritage to his performances as well as his photography.As a flutist, he has performed in Tokyo, Japan at Flute Celebration 2024 by Seiya Ueno alongside principal flutists from around the world including, Sébastian Jacot, Clément Dufour, Virgile Aragau, Shigenori Kudo, and Xavier Luck. Whilst in grad school, he has performed with the Mizzou New Music Ensemble, MU Symphony, and Wind Ensemble, additionally with the Millennial Choirs and Orchestras at the Kauffman Centre.Nicholas holds Bachelor’s Double Degrees in Flute Performance and Psychology from the University of California, Irvine and a Master’s in Flute Performance from the University of Missouri, Columbia with full scholarship and stipend from the generous Sinquefield Charitable Foundation. His primary teachers include Alice K. Dade, Patricia Cloud, and Suzuki teacher trainer Ivy Huang. He has appeared and performed in masterclasses for Matthew Roitstein, Cobus du Toit, James Hall, and Anne Zentner. Since moving home, he has returned to South Coast Youth Symphony Orchestra as the winds section clinician and performs with the group at prestigious concert halls around Orange County.Beyond music/performing, Nicholas is also an entrepreneur, professional photographer, and automotive enthusiast. Specializing in musicians' portraits, concert photography, and automotive photography. His work has appeared on magazine covers and been seen and shared by major brands like Powell Flutes, Mancke Headjoints, Bowers and Wilkins, Canon USA/Japan, BMW USA, and Porsche Canada. As a social media manager, he established online presence for both the MU Symphony and his own flute accessories company, CAM.VOYAGE.
Paul Hyun
Paul Hyun received his BM in Cello Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music as well as a Performance Certificate for Chamber Music from San Francisco Conservatory of Music. His main teachers were Stephen Geber, Jean Michel Fonteneau, and Metta Watts. He also received instruction from Mark Kosower, Stephen Balderston, Emil Colon, Geoffrey Solow, Orlando Cole and Sieun Lin. Paul has performed in masterclasses for David Requiro, Robert de Maine, Kenneth Olson, Jonathan Koh and Laslo Varga. Paul has participated as a member of the San Francisco Youth Symphony, All State Symphony Orchestra, Angel Fire, Encore School for Strings, Aria International Summer Music Festival, Hidden Valley Music Seminars, Roundtop Orchestra Festival and the National Orchestral Institute. In the past, Paul served as principal cellist for the SF Korean Symphony now known as Silicon Valley Philharmonic and Winchester Symphony Orchestras. Paul is currently teaching privately for all ages and levels in Orange County as well as being a cello coach for both Santiago Charter Middle School and Canyon High School. Paul is also the Founder and Director of Improvicelli, a collaboration of cellists who entertain audiences in musical styles from classical all the way to Jazz Improvisation. Doing this also educates music students by teaching them to think outside the realms of classical music while keeping the fundamentals of their training. Paul has been a featured soloist with Palo Alto Philharmonic, SF Korean Symphony, Prometheus Symphony, San Jose State Symphony and the Gradus ad Parnassum Youth Orchestra. Outside of teaching, Paul's goal is to teach all music students how to enjoy and love music while learning ways to improve themselves through their own abilities. He has two duos he performs regularly with: Celli à Deux and Supersmash Celli. Paul plays on a 2002 Andrew Carruthers Ruggieri Cello and a Concert White Electric Yamaha cello. Fun fact, Paul is also the younger brother of violinist Katie Hyun. He is also a professional martial artist and teach self defense to the Irvine community.
Victoria Lee
Oboist Victoria Hiromi Doo Lee takes music anywhere. From appearing with chamber groups at aquariums and art museums in California and touring as a soloist in Europe, to performing in unusual venues such as wind octets in Branson pubs and the Park Avenue Armory with the New York Philharmonic.Victoria began her studies with Lisa Patanella, Dr. Jonathan Davis, and Ariana Ghez while at the Orange County School of the Arts. After moving to New York for college, her career escalated quickly as both a classical and contemporary musician. A typical season would include early Renaissance double reed band music with the New York Kammermusiker, performing with the New York Youth Symphony as principal oboe, and premiering works such as Mohammed Fairouz’s opera Sumeida’s Song.Her passion for teaching began in college when she was appointed as the Manhattan School of Music’s MSM Sundays oboe instructor, a program designed to provide private lessons to amateur musicians in New York City. In the same year, she was invited to teach with the MSM Distance Learning Center and maintained a small private studio via video calling for high school students in the cities of Norfolk and Stanton, Nebraska. Since sparking her career as an educator, Victoria has taught with Bocal Majority double reed summer camps in Northern and Southern California and represented the organization at several double reed and music education conferences. She is a regular guest speaker for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA), presenting seminars on oboe pedagogy at their annual professional development convention.Victoria is a section oboist and Woodwind Coordinator for the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra, located in Branson, MO, whose mission is to re-popularize classical music by performing in unusual venues. In addition to regular performances, the members of the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra share a common passion for both collaboration and education, contributing to multi-media projects with the White River Artists Alliance or presenting programs for children at the local library.Victoria holds a BM in Classical Oboe and MM in Orchestral Oboe Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. Currently in her tenth season as the principal chair of the Santa Monica Symphony, Victoria is also a founding member of the esteemed reed quintet Syrinx, which won the 2019 Beverly Hills National Auditions, and of the groundbreaking Catalyst Wind Collective, for which she also serves as Secretary and Librarian. Victoria is on the faculty of California State University of Los Angeles, Cerritos College, Orange Coast College, Irvine Valley College, and Fullerton College, and also coaches at many local middle and high schools. She held the position of Oboe & Chamber Music Instructor in the Orange County School of the Arts' prestigious Frederick Fennell Wind Studies program for ten years. An active freelance oboist in four Southern California counties, she resides in Huntington Beach, maintaining her career as an in-demand performer, clinician, and private teacher.
Staff
Keith Ransons - Operations Manager
Emma Clausen - Intern
Hitesh Benny - Intern
Emma Clausen
I grew up in a military family, so I moved around a bit, but started music in East Lyme, Connecticut, where I went to middle and high school. I studied with Jill Maurer Davis from 7th-12th grade, and in that time I competed in CMEA competitions such as Eastern Region and All States. Currently, I'm a Music Education and Music Therapy double major at Biola University, and spend a lot of time playing both flute and piccolo in ensembles throughout the year! I also now live with my family in Corona, CA! Outside of music, I really enjoy volleyball, traveling, and spending time with family and friends!
Hitesh Benny
Coming soon.
Keith Ransons
Coming soon.
SOCO Youth
Launching in Fall 2026, the South Orange County Orchestra will offer talented young musicians in 9th grade and above the opportunity to perform challenging repertoire in a professional setting. Under the guidance of SOCO's artistic team, students will rehearse and perform side by side with inspiring mentors while developing their skills and passion for orchestral music.More details about auditions, schedule, and tuition will be announced at our Inaugural Concert on April 11.
SOCO Youth Chorus
Beginning January 2026, the South Orange County Orchestra is proud to launch the SOCO Youth Chorus. A brand new choir for students in grades 6-12. Young singers will rehearse weekly in a fun, supportive environment while developing their voices, musicianship, and love of choral music.The Youth Chorus will make its debut performance at SOCO's Inaugural Concert on April 18, 2026 at the beautiful Lake Forest Performing Arts Center. This performance will provide the students with the exciting opportunity to share the stage with a professional orchestra.For more details about registration, tuition, and rehearsal schedule, please fill out the form below.
Donations
The South Orange County Orchestra is made possible through the generosity of our community. Your gift today helps us bring professional orchestral music to South Orange County, support our musicians, and build educational programs like the upcoming SOCO Youth Chorus.Because we are a brand new organization, we are currently in the process of applying for nonprofit status. At this time, donations are not yet tax deductible, but every contribution directly supports our musicians, concerts, and outreach.Thank you for being a founding supporter of SOCO, together we are building a new cultural home for South Orange County!
Contact
The South Orange County Orchestra welcomes inquiries from musicians, supporters, and community partners. Whether you’re interested in performing with us, sponsoring our work, or learning more about upcoming concerts, we’d love to hear from you.
Auditions
Interested in performing with SOCO?
We’re always looking to connect with talented and passionate musicians. Whether you’re a professional player, educator, or advanced student, we’d love to hear from you.Fill out our Musician Interest Form below or email us at [email protected] to be added to the roster and receive future concert invitations.
Musician Interest Form
Youth Chorus Form
Thank you
We’ve received your message and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.Whether you’re a musician, supporter, or community member, we’re grateful for your interest in helping us bring world class music to South Orange County.We look forward to connecting with you soon!