Jung-Ho Pak Brings A "New Vision" of Classical Music to San Diego

Described by the New York Times as a conductor who "radiates enthusiasm", the Los Angeles Times as “a real grabber", and twice by the San Diego Union-Tribune as one of the most "impactful people to watch", Maestro Pak has developed a reputation as a visionary and influential leader.

His “new vision” for classical music in San Diego is to create a joyous, emotional and dramatic musical experience for today’s audiences, an experience that attracts a whole new generation to classical music.

Jung-Ho Pak has careers as both a music director with a revolutionary vision of classical music and as a nationally acclaimed educator. In 2007, Mr. Pak began his tenure as artistic director and conductor of the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra (capesymphony.org), one of the largest orchestras in Massachusetts (second only to the Boston Symphony Orchestra).

Mr. Pak was named music director emeritus of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, one of the largest and historic orchestras in the New England region, in 2007 after completing his eighth season with them. In 2003, he was appointed music director of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra and director of orchestras at the Interlochen Center for the Arts (interlochen.org). The WYSO is one of the oldest and most well known orchestras of its kind, as well as an international ambassador for the arts and peace.

From 1997 to 2002, Mr. Pak led the San Diego Symphony to become a nationally recognized artistic and financial success through a personalized and contemporary approach. His innovative creation, the "Light Bulb Series," was a revolutionary new concept in classical music, utilizing multimedia technology, non-classical connections, drama and theatrical staging in an interactive and approachable way. These concerts reached a younger adult audience while providing traditional audiences with a deeper appreciation of classical music.

Mr. Pak strongly believes an orchestra belongs to its community, and has produced specific concerts for the Latino, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Jewish and African-American communities.

He has served as music director with two important music conservatories: the University of Southern California (USC) Symphony and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He has also served as principal conductor of the Emmy-nominated Disney Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra for eight years and as music director of the International Chamber Orchestra, NEXT Chamber Orchestra, Colburn Chamber Orchestra and Diablo Ballet.

Guest conducting has taken him to Europe, the Soviet Union, South America and Asia. Mr. Pak is also a frequent speaker on television and radio about the relevance of art in society and the importance of music in education.