Amati Strings preparing for a performance at UCI
Amati Strings is an Irvine-based group of gifted youth musicians who dedicate themselves to serving their community through musical performances.
The string group plays at public venues — including churches, orphanages, and senior centers throughout Irvine and its surrounding cities to promote music education and provide a positive impact upon their listeners.
They are regulars at the Coventry Court Senior Living Apartments, Atria Senior Living, and the UCI Medical Center. Over the years, Amati Strings has contributed to the community by performing concerts at the Orangewood Foundation, Orange County Rescue Mission, and the “Big Brothers & Big Sisters Mentor Program.” The group supports equal access to music by providing instruments, lessons, and a group donation to children at the Colette’s Children’s Home.
This year, Amati Strings has also performed at the Bowers Museum’s Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form After Hours Performance and South Coast Plaza’s City of Hope Cancer Remission Concert.
Of the 30 members, 20 come from Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) schools. Some of the key players include Inwoo Danny Yoo, Seawoo Andy Yoo, Bradley Son, Xinyie Ouyang and Linjie Zhao from University High School; Nagyung Cho, Seohyun An, and Eric Kim from Northwood High School; Sihyun Kim and Kristen Wyn from Woodbridge High School; Joey Kwon from Irvine High School; and Anne Sophie Kim and Kate Ownes from Portola High School.
Amati Strings is directed by professionally trained and world-renowned musician Judy Yoo, who currently serves as the Associate Concertmaster in the Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra. She has spearheaded efforts to revive youth orchestras since 2004.
Amati Strings musicians getting ready to perform a “City of Hope” benefit concert at South Coast Plaza
When describing the young musicians, Yoo explains: “They are burning with passion and can’t live without music. Their dedication is the fuel that drives the success for [their] music.”
This year, multiple members have been accepted into prestigious orchestras such as the CODA All-State California Orchestra, the All Southern California School Band & Orchestra, the LA Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and the IUSD Honor Orchestra. Many of them also hold leadership positions within these groups.
Nineteen students received the highest place given in their solo categories at the 2024 Satori Summer Music Festival. Inwoo Danny Yoo has also won first place for the American Protege competition and will perform at the Carnegie Hall Concert in New York this December.
What is particularly special about Amati Strings is the continued participation from these talented young musicians, even after they graduate from high school. Alumni often return to participate in Amati Strings’ performances, which Yoo attributes to their ardent love of music.
To learn more about this musical group and their upcoming performances, check out their website here and Facebook page here.
- Irvine’s Amati Strings: Bringing Music & Joy to the Community - November 4, 2024
- Friends of Outreach Host Weekly Bingo Game to Help Seniors - May 22, 2024
- University High School’s Legends Choir Concert is a Hit! - February 18, 2024
