Thank you. [Music] [Music] [Applause] Welcome. My name is David Cho and I'm have the great privilege and honor to serve the Luk Symphony as its music director.This is my 40th year living in the United States. I have been United States citizen and a proud Texan for over 25 years. This is my 13th year living in Lok, Texas, and I have to say I have loved every minute of it, including the dry climate, West Texas hospitality, the wonderful culture and arts scene, and even the haboo, the infamous dust storm.I jus ...

Music & Arts Industry Insights - Art transcends mere entertainment, serving as a conduit for emotional depth and spiritual elevation [5][6] - Music possesses a unique power to bypass conscious thought, directly influencing the subconscious and shaping values [4] - Engagement with arts fosters open-mindedness and tolerance, crucial for mitigating societal issues [8] - Arts, including music, theater, and opera, expose individuals to diverse cultures and historical contexts [8] - Music is essential for mental well-being, paralleling the importance of diet and exercise for physical health [7] Societal Impact - Art and philosophy are fundamental to a thriving democratic society, nurturing informed and engaged citizens [10][11] - Exposure to art influences individual behavior, decision-making, and civic engagement [9] - Investing in art is vital for the advancement of humanity [12] Artistic Expression - True artistic expression stems from authenticity, requiring artists to overcome defenses and reveal their genuine selves [2] - Opera is considered the "art of arts" because it integrates multiple artistic disciplines [6]

Artistic Achievements & Recognition - Joseph Toto performed a dynamic selection of works, showcasing technical excellence and emotional expressiveness [1] - Joseph was recognized with a Star Performance Award at age 9 [1] - Joseph has been accepted into the Manhattan School of Music to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Classical Composition [1] Educational Background & Training - Joseph has over 13 years of piano study and 3 years of composition experience [1] - Joseph is currently enrolled in the music program at Brookdale Community College, performing in numerous school concerts since 2023 [1] - Joseph has studied under distinguished pianists, including Dr Cory Hall and Sunhwa Kim, and studies composition with Jee Won Kim [1] Performance Highlights & Repertoire - Performance highlights include playing Chopin's Octave Etude and Liszt's Transcendental Etude No 11 at Steinway Hall in New York City [1] - Joseph's repertoire spans from Bach and Mozart to Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt, showcasing versatility and ambition [1]