YES January Orchestra Event

By Alice Li

On January 10, 2026, the Youth Entrepreneur Society participated in a non-profit concert hosted by Music of Love at the Robinson Fine Arts Center. The event raised funds for Children’s Health Hospital while celebrating a unique fusion of traditional Chinese music and Western classical art. Instruments such as the pipa and guzheng took center stage, blending seamlessly with Western orchestration. The YES orchestra performed during the concert, and many YES members contributed by volunteering throughout the event. 

The evening began with extensive preparation and organization, including guest check-in and venue setup. YES volunteers played an essential role in welcoming attendees and guiding them to their seats. Given the size of the concert hall, their assistance was especially valuable for guests unfamiliar with the space. Through their dedication, volunteers demonstrated professionalism, responsibility, and unified teamwork.

As the event progressed, many renowned musicians were featured. Crystal Zheng, a celebrated guzheng performer and cultural ambassador, delivered a captivating performance. Kimia Penton, songwriter, keynote speaker, and violinist, showcased her versatility through a dynamic fusion of pop and jazz. Jo-Ying Hong, conductor of the Frisco Youth Symphony Orchestra, led the ensemble in presenting beautiful and expressive melodies. Distinguished pipa virtuoso and cultural ambassador Ying Cui also performed. In addition, many Western musicians contributed to the evening, including flutist Ann Allums and composer Milo Deering, among others.

A wide range of pieces were performed throughout the night, but one standout favorite was Big Fish from the film Big Fish & Begonia. Accompanied by selected scenes from the movie, the performance created a nostalgic and hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that resonated deeply with the audience. The hosts further highlighted the spirit of cultural exchange by seamlessly switching between English and Chinese while introducing performers. They also oversaw the official donation presentation, announcing that all proceeds from the concert would go toward supporting Children’s Health Hospital.

The night concluded on a powerful note as all performers gathered on stage for a final bow. Amid enthusiastic applause, it was inspiring to see musicians of diverse backgrounds performing together– violinists beside pipa players, and erhu musicians alongside double bass players. The YES volunteers played a vital role in the success of the concert and remain committed to continuing their service within the community. Their involvement in the Music of Love concert reflects the organization’s ongoing mission to give back and foster cultural appreciation, and YES will continue to make a positive impact through service and collaboration.