VirtuoSi Chamber Music orchestra is a youth music ensemble based in Orange County, California whose mission is to serve communities through the joy of music. We believe that music has the power to heal and enrich lives. Music is a shared experience that connects us all, across every border and background, across every age and season of our lives.
VirtuoSi Chamber Orchestra is open to students from seventh to twelfth grades, by audition, and is led by Dr. Jiyoung Um. With over 30 years of music education experience, Dr. Um holds both a bachelor and master degree in music from The Juilliard School and Doctorate from Columbia University’s Teacher College.
VirtuoSi’s mission is to enrich both the lives of its students and the communities they serve. Through the study and performance of classical and popular music, with solo and leadership opportunities for its students, VirtuoSi is focused on fostering creativity and connection among its members. Each season, the youth ensemble hosts two benefit concerts to raise awareness and funds for a partner charitable organization. VirtuoSi members also earn volunteer hours towards The President’s Volunteer Service Awards or through our partner organizations.
Virtuosi's director, Dr. Jiyoung Um is a graduate of The Juilliard School for both Bachelor and Masters Degree in Violin Performance. He also completed a doctorate study in music education at Teachers College, Columbia University. His solo performing experiences are worldwide including, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Scheonberg Hall, Crowell Hall, Merkin Hall (USA), Walter Hall (Canada), Sejong Center for the Arts (Korea), Municipal Teatro de Cali (Columbia), Talac Convention Center (Philippine). Dr. Um has extensive teaching experiences including Assistant Professor of Violin at Biola University, Assistant Teacher of Professor Hyo Kang at Juilliard Pre-College, and is an award-winning ASCAP composer. He has a number of works released on the SONY MUSIC label.
Many of his students have been accepted to prestigious music schools including, Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Eastman School of Music, USC and UCLA.