An Evening of Note

An Evening of Note with Elliot Wuu

featuring performances by select Conservatory artists

April 13, 2024 6:00pm

Welcome

Welcome to an evening of musical artistry and excellence as we proudly present An Evening of Note. We are delighted to showcase the exceptional talent of our very own pianists representing each of our three campuses. From the budding musicians of our elementary school to the accomplished artists of our high school, each performer brings a unique perspective and passion for music to the stage, embodying the Quest for Excellence that permeates Valley Christian School’s Conservatory of the Arts.

We are especially honored to welcome back Steinway Young Artist and Valley Christian alumnus Elliot Wuu (’17). A prodigious pianist whose journey includes four years within the halls of the Valley Christian Conservatory of the Arts, Elliot has emerged as a shining star in the world of classical music. Engaging audiences with his vibrant tones and nuanced musical expression, Elliot’s performances resonate with emotion and technical brilliance. As a Steinway Young Artist, Elliot continues to move audiences worldwide with his artistry, cementing his place among the brightest talents of his generation.

Joining us via the technological prowess of our flagship Steinway Spirio | r Model D is Valley Christian alumna Sarah Tuan (’20). Sarah brings her exquisite talent and artistry direct from Steinway Hall in New York City. This past week, Sarah gave her Senior Recital at the Juilliard School, fulfilling one of her final requirements on her path to graduating later this spring. We are so proud of Sarah and her accomplishments and give her our warmest welcome as she returns to her alma mater via the “magic of Spirio” to share her musical gifts with us once more. At Valley Christian Conservatory of the Arts, we take great pride in our designation as an All-Steinway School—a distinction that speaks to our unwavering commitment to musical excellence. Through our partnership with Steinway & Sons, we provide our students with access to world-class pianos renowned for their craftsmanship and unparalleled expression. This commitment ensures that every pianist who graces our practice rooms and stages can experience the transformative power of performing on instruments of the highest caliber, fostering a deep appreciation for the artistry and heritage of the piano.

Thank you for being a part of An Evening of Note, where music is performed to the glory of God, transcending boundaries to unite hearts. Tonight, as we celebrate the extraordinary talents of Elliot, Sarah, and our conservatory pianists, may each note played resonate with the joy, inspiration, and beauty of our Creator.

With musical regards,

Mr. Troy Gunter

Director, Conservatory of the Arts

Vice President, Valley Christian Schools

Program

Elementary Conservatory Pianists

AARON CHAI

Aaron Chai, My Magic Trick

LEONA JIAO

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Fantasy in D Minor

TONG LIN

Isaak Berkovich, Variations on a Theme of Paganini

DINNER

Special Guest Performance from Steinway Hall

SARAH TUAN

Zhang Zhao, Pi-Huang

Junior High Conservatory Pianists

GRACE WANG

Frédéric Chopin, Nocturne, Op. 48, No. 1 in C Minor

AENEAS YU

Franz Liszt, Paraphrase on Verdi’s Rigoletto

JASON HAM

Frédéric Chopin, Étude, Op. 10, No. 4 in C# Minor

KAREN MATSUI

Johann Sebastian Bach, Toccata in E minor, BWV 914

Conservatory Fellows Pianists

JEREMY DARROW

Jimmy Van Heusen, Here’s That Rainy Day

MEINING WU

Sergei Rachmaninoff, Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 36 (Revised edition, 1931) I. Allegro Agitato

STANFORD YU

Franz Liszt, Années de pèlerinage II, Supplément, S. 162, No. 3, Tarantella

Featured Guest Pianist

ELLIOT WUU, Steinway Artist

Elliot Wuu

Praised for his “power, speed and finesse of artists twice his age” (Tribune Star), Elliot Wuu has captured audiences with colorful tones, sensitive musicality, and emotional depth in his music. Wuu, a Young Steinway Artist, was named a 2018 Gilmore Young Artist, one of the most prestigious awards bestowed every two years to two young pianists up to 22 years old. Wuu is a winner of the Salon de Virtuosi 2021 Career Grant.

In recent years, Wuu has won numerous state, national, and international competitions and performed across the globe. In 2015, Wuu won First Prize in the Hilton Head International Piano Competition for Young Artists. In the same year, he also won Second Prize and special Schubert Prize in the International e-Piano Junior Competition, Third Prize and special Mozart Prize in the Cleveland International Piano Competition for the Young Artists, Second Prize and the Best Performance award of a composition by Russian Composers in the Bösendorfer and Yamaha USASU International Piano Competition. He was also the winner of the 2017 National YoungArts Competition. In addition, Wuu was named a 2014-2016 Young Scholar of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation and a 2016-2021 MTAC Young Artist Guild (YAG) member, the highest honor awarded to California music students.

Wuu has performed in major venues in the U.S., France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, Romania, and China. In NYC, Wuu performed at the United Nations Headquarters in the presence of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, at the WQXR Greene Space, and at Carnegie Hall for the Grammy’s Salute to Classical Music concert. Other notable concert performances were at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, Aspen Festival, Ravinia Festival, Hilton Head Bravo Piano Festival, and Chopin Foundation of the United States. In 2013, Wuu was selected as one of the twelve young pianists from around the world to participate in the Inaugural Lang Lang Junior Music Camp in Munich, where he performed and worked with Lang Lang in concerts and masterclasses. Wuu was also featured on WQXR’s Young Artists Showcase and NPR’s From the Top radio programs.

After making his debut at age 16 with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Wuu has appeared as a soloist with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Parnassus, and Arad State Philharmonic in Romania, among many others.

Featured Guest Performer

Elliot Wuu

In addition to performing, Wuu has worked with legendary artists such as Dame Fanny Waterman, Leon Fleisher, Gary Graffman, and Ruth Slenczynska in masterclasses.

Born in September 1999 in Fremont, CA, Wuu began piano studies at the age of six. Throughout high school, Wuu was a music scholarship student, studying piano with Yoshikazu Nagai at the San Francisco Conservatory Pre-College and the Valley Christian High School Conservatory of the Arts. His previous teachers include Jed Galant and Rose Chen. As a proud recipient of a Kovner Fellowship Award at The Juilliard School, Wuu received his Bachelor of Music degree and continued his studies of Master of Music under the tutelage of Robert McDonald.

The “Think Music Award” is dedicated to recognizing and encouraging musicians who demonstrate thoughtful consideration and artistry in their interpretation and musical performance.

Student Performers

AARON CHAI

Aaron Chai is a second grader at Valley Christian Elementary School, and he began his journey in music at Yamaha Music School in 2020 when he was four years old. During his studies with Yamaha, Aaron revealed his talents in perfect pitch and his creative abilities in composing music. With encouragement from Yamaha teachers, Aaron started to learn compositions in 2022, and his original composition, “Go Train Go”, was awarded third place in the Yamaha Junior Original Composition competition in 2023 as the youngest contestant.

In the summer of 2023, when Aaron’s piano teacher, Lucy Ding, first introduced jazz music to Aaron, he completely fell in love with it. The beauties of polyrhythms, improvisation, and swing from jazz inspired Aaron to switch his music path from classical music to jazz. With the inspiration of a magic summer camp he attended, Aaron composed his Jazz piece called “My Magic Show”. In “My Magic Show”, Aaron uses different combinations of jazz rhythms to demonstrate the mysteries of magic. “My Magic Show” was also awarded fourth place in the original composition of the US Open held in February 2024.

Besides music, Aaron is a super fan of trains, and his career goal is to become a high-speed train designer and play the music he composed on the train he designed.

LEONA JIAO

Leona Jiao began learning piano at the age of three and a half, demonstrating a remarkable aptitude for music, including possessing perfect pitch as one of her strengths. In 2023, she achieved first place in the Golden Classical Music Award International Piano Competition and was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. Furthermore, in 2024, she secured first prize in the piano category of the USOMC Junior, earning a scholarship. Leona is a passionate child with a deep love for music.

TONG LIN

Tong Lin is currently a fifth grader at Valley Christian Elementary School. Tong has five years of piano playing experience, and in addition to practicing piano, she enjoys doing crafts and drawing. In her spare time, Tong enjoys playing card games and basketball, reading, and spending time with her friends.

GRACE WANG

Grace Wang is a 13-year-old pianist who currently attends Valley Christian Junior High School as an 8th grader. She has been studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College Division under Rose Chen’s tutelage, following Dr. William Wellborn’s previous instructions. Recently, she won 2nd prize in the Encore Music Competition Intermediate division and 1st Prize in Best Grieg Performance in the Great Composers Competition Series. She was also recognized with awards from the US Open Music Competition and the Junior Bach Music Festival. She has also received invitations to perform in music festivals hosted by the Music Teachers’ Associations of California (MTAC). Last year, she attended the C’est Bon Chamber Music Festival and Interlochen Art Camp in the summer. Grace also enjoys performing in chamber groups to collaborate with instruments such as bassoon, violin, cello, and more.

Along with her passion for her piano performance, Grace has also played cello for more than four years. Beyond her musical accomplishments, she is committed to using her talents to impact society positively. She has participated in various benefit concerts and performances in senior facilities as a pianist and cellist in a youth orchestra. Through her involvement in these community services, she has continuously developed a strong belief that music can bring emotional comfort to others.

Student Performers

AENEAS YU

Aeneas Yu is a 14-year-old from Northern California who is passionate about piano and percussion. His journey in music commenced at the age of two with early percussion lessons. By 2015, his love for music expanded to encompass the piano, seamlessly blending rhythm and melody into his life. Aeneas has been fortunate to study under Peyhwan Kuan for piano and Tammy Chen for percussion, both of whom have played pivotal roles in his development as a musician.

Music competitions have emerged as a significant aspect of Aeneas’s life, garnering him recognition at prestigious events such as the USOMC, USIMC, and CAPMT: Contemporary Piano competitions. A standout achievement was securing second place at the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition, leading to five performances at Carnegie Hall from 2019 to December 2023.

2020 marked a milestone for Aeneas, clinching victories at the Elevato Music Competition and the Salzburg-Austria Music Competition. His journey persisted with a second-place finish in the US New Star Étude competition, and in 2022, he attained the Global Genius Gold Prize and first prize at the King’s Peak music competition. His journey continued in 2023, earning third place at the Elevato International Piano Competition in Portugal and having the honor of performing the opening solo at the Elevato concerto winners’ concert in the Czech Republic. Most recently, Aeneas won first prize at the 2024 Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition for both marimba solo and chamber music.

Each accolade is a surreal affirmation of Aeneas’s love and dedication to music. This remarkable journey fills him with anticipation for the future. His heart belongs to piano and percussion, each presenting unique challenges and joys. Aeneas eagerly anticipates a future adorned with new rhythms, melodies, and the boundless possibilities that music bestows!

JASON HAM

Jason Ham is an eighth grader at Valley Christian Junior High School and began playing the piano at eight years old. He is currently studying with Mrs. Michelle Lee. Jason recently participated and won in the 2024 United States Open Music Competition (solo showcase category).

Some of the awards Jason was awarded over the past three years are 1st place in the North California Young Talents Music Competition, 1st place in the Silicon Valley Music Competition, 2nd place in the US International Open Music Competition, and 2nd place in the San Francisco International Innovative Music Competition. His talent was also recognized in a masterclass with Hans Boepple. Jason is an active member of young musicians’ non-profit organizations known as the Bello Ensemble, the Almaden Youth Musicians (AYM), and Let Nature Sing (LNS).

In addition to playing the piano, Jason enjoys playing drums, participating in Boy Scouts (troop 340), robotics, and traveling.

Student Performers

KAREN MATSUI

Karen Matsui, an eighth grader at Valley Christian Junior High School, started playing piano at age five with a gift of perfect pitch. She is currently studying with Mrs. Kai Chi Zhu and Mr. Grant Kondo.

Karen has won numerous prizes in prestigious competitions, including 3 First Prizes in the United States Open Music Competition 2024, First Prize in the Great Masters International Piano Competition 2023, Second Prize in the New Star International Music Competition 2023, and Third Prize in the Elevato Competition 2023. As a chamber musician, Karen’s Valley Christian Junior High Piano Trio was awarded First Prizes at the USIMC 2023 and the Santa Cruz Youth Chamber Music Competition 2023.

As an avid improviser since she was seven, Karen was invited to perform at the Improvisation Honor’s Recital at the MTAC Annual Convention 2023. Her improvisation performance won First Prize in the Creative Vision Competition at CAPMT 2023. Most recently, Karen’s original composition received Second Prize in the Golden Key Piano Composition Competition, and will be performed at the World Composers Recital in Vienna in the summer of 2024.

While not playing the piano, Karen enjoys listening to game music, raising her five cats, and playing the cello.

MEINING WU

Meining Wu is a freshman Conservatory Honors Fellow. She began piano lessons at the age of six and is currently studying with Professor Hans Boepple. In 2023, Meining debuted with the renowned Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya, performing Chopin Piano Concerto No.1 at Fort Worth, Texas. She has also won top prizes in many prestigious competitions, including 1st place at the 2024 Henry and Carol Zeiter Piano Competition, 1st Place (Alvin Docket Award) at the 2024 Bay Philharmonic Young Artist Concerto Competition, Winner in both Senior (2024) and Junior (2023) Divisions at Peninsula Symphony Marilyn Mindell Piano Competition, 1st prize at 2024 Franz Liszt Center International Piano Competition, “Absolute” 1st Prizes at the Young Verona International Piano Competition and Champion’s Keyboard Competition, Grand Prize at the Chicago International Piano Competition, “Young Artist Award” at USIMC, as well as top prizes at CAPMT Honors, Aloha International, Pacific Musical, Aloha International, Weatherford College and Seattle International Piano Competitions. She is also a finalist in the 2nd Patrick W. Price Piano Competition and will compete in the final round at this year’s Texas State International Piano Festival in June.

Meining was selected to perform in many festivals, including the San Jose International Piano Festival, Vivace Music Festival, Texas State International Piano Festival, and PianoTexas International Piano Festival. She has studied in master classes with world-class pianists Dang Thai Son, Mikhail Voskresensky, Jerome Lowenthal, Alexander Kobrin, Vanessa Latarche, and Igor Resnianski. Meining is actively engaged in events to promote classical music at her school and community. She has been invited to be a featured artist performing solos and chamber music at several concerts, including the Peninsula Symphony Annual Family Concert, the Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Concert, and the Valley Christian Conservatory of Arts “Christmas at the California”.

Besides her passion for music, Meining’s other hobbies include reading and creating visual arts. By practicing various types of art mediums, including sketch, watercolor, acrylic, oil painting, and collage, her artwork has won top prizes in state, national, and international art contests such as the CA Junior Duck Stamp Contest, Peace Pals International Art Exhibition, and US Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Meining also loves dedicating her time to voluntary services where she can serve the community with her music and art specialties. In 2023, she was rewarded the Gold Award, the Highest Honor of the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award.

STANFORD YU

Stanford Yu, a seventeen-year-old, is a senior Conservatory Honors Fellow. His musical journey started on piano at age five and later broadened to violin (age seven) and viola (age thirteen). He has been studying violin and viola under the instruction of Noriko Iwamoto. He previously studied piano with Melody Wu, Daniel Cheng, and Benjamin Choupak and is currently studying with Professor Kevin Fitz-Gerald. Stanford actively enriches his musical exploration through participation in master classes conducted by Till Fellner, Péter Nagy, Mark Livshits, Professor Bernadene Blaha, Dr. Wei-Yi Yang, Dr. Ning An, Alexander Kobrin, and Jon Nakamatsu. He was selected and will join the Amalfi Coast Music & Art Festival in Italy during the Summer of 2024. Stanford has won numerous awards, most notable being the Golden State Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition winner, with the opportunity to perform with the Senior Symphony and the Finalist of the International Piano Competition for Young Musicians in Enschede, the Netherlands. Stanford also loves swimming and playing water polo on the school varsity teams. Outside of his passion for music, he enjoys studying cosmology, watching movies, preparing to play intercollegiate basketball, and spending time with his pug, Mozart. As Stanford hopes to pursue an otherworldly career, his life will be a celestial blend of stars and harmony that continues to inspire him to this day and onward.

JEREMY DARROW

Jeremy Darrow is a jazz pianist and composer. He has been playing piano for over ten years, starting as a classical pianist and then transitioning to jazz. His musical influences come from jazz legends like Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, and Mulgrew Miller. In 2019, he performed with jazz drummer Peter Erskine at the San Jose Jazz Summer Camp. He was also a member of the 2021-2022 San Jose Jazz All Stars, who debuted one of his compositions titled “Too Much or Too Little.” In 2023, he wrote a composition based on a Ukrainian folk melody for the same band, which was performed at the San Jose Jazz Winterfest. He has received 2021 and 2022 Downbeat awards for outstanding performance in the large jazz ensemble and small jazz combo categories, respectively. He has previously studied jazz piano under Arnie Co and is currently studying with Dahveed Behroozi. He enjoys much of his time composing jazz and orchestral pieces.

CONSERVATORY PIANO FACULTY

Mrs. Samantha Elliott - Elementary

Miss Elizabeth Lin - Junior High

Mrs. Melissa Gunter - High School

Giving PLANNED

The Shechem Oak Society empowers our community to make an extraordinary impact on future generations. The society comprises all who generously bequeath legacy gifts to Valley Christian Schools.

God assured Abraham of keeping His promise to grant the land to Abraham’s descendants. Shechem holds a significant place in this narrative—it’s where Jacob excavated a well and erected an altar, where Joseph’s family laid his remains to rest, where Joshua delivered his parting words in service to the Lord, and where Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman at the well (Genesis 12:6, 33:18, Joshua 24:26, John 4:12). Shechem stands as a powerful symbol of God’s faithfulness across generations. We fervently pray that VCS, like Shechem, will serve as a reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness in Silicon Valley and worldwide.

At a time when many American educational institutions are straying from biblical values, you can ensure that Valley Christian Schools continues its Quest for Excellence™ for future generations. Join us in providing high-quality Christ-centered education to our children and grandchildren by including VCS in your will.

VCS partners with Thompson & Associates to offer confidential and complimentary estate planning consultations to our board members, administrators, faculty, staff, and community. Join my wife, Kris, myself, and others in discovering the most tax-efficient means of transferring your estate to benefit your family and your passions.

As a trusted member of our VCS community, please accept our gift to you and arrange your estate planning consultation with Darren Penny of Thompson & Associates. You may email advancement@vcs.net or call my office at 408-513-2503. If you have already included VCS in your planned giving, kindly inform us so we may include you in our Shechem Oak Society.

Looking forward,

Clifford E. Daugherty, Ed.D. President

MISSION STATEMENT

Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.

VISION STATEMENT

A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™

FOUNDING STATEMENT

Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence

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To support VCS, please call the Extend the Gift Advancement O ce at (408) 362-7644 or visit vcs.net/give.