Originally written for the Summer Concert 2026 program brochure on August 1st, 2026.
Music with Love, Friendship that Endures
Dear music lovers, esteemed conductor, orchestra members, and dedicated staff,
Good evening.
As the familiar melodies fill the concert hall tonight, my heart has already returned to this place so richly filled with music and warmth. Due to a prior commitment that has taken me away on travel this year, I regret that I cannot be with you in person to enjoy this special evening. Please know, however, that my heart follows every vibration of every string on stage, crossing thousands of miles to be with all of you.
Looking back over the years, my heart is filled with both gratitude and reflection. The founder of our orchestra, Mr. Wang Guoping, and I shared a close friendship that began in the 1980s and spanned more than four decades. Throughout those years, regardless of how my own journey evolved—from serving our local school district, to serving as a City Council Member, then as Mayor of Walnut, and now mentoring future leaders at the University of Southern California—I have always believed that friendship, loyalty, and integrity are life’s greatest treasures. My forty-year friendship with Guoping, together with our shared passion for traditional Chinese music, has remained one of the most steadfast and comforting sources of strength in my life.
In what feels like the blink of an eye, it has already been four years since Guoping left us on July 16, 2022. During that most difficult and uncertain time, our devoted President, Ms. Li Wenling, reached out to me and invited me to preside over the establishment and election of the orchestra’s Board of Directors. Four years have passed so quickly. During this time, I have watched her serve two years as Secretary General and now continue her service as President. With her unwavering passion for music, her steadfast commitment to honoring our founder’s legacy, and her selfless dedication, she has led this eleven-year-old orchestra toward a future filled with hope. Witnessing her resilience, kindness, and enduring devotion to friendship and responsibility has given me tremendous comfort and deep admiration.
As a nonprofit organization, promoting traditional Chinese orchestral music overseas is both a meaningful mission and a challenging journey. To ensure that this cultural heritage continues to flourish for generations to come, we rely not only on the wholehearted dedication of President Li and every orchestra member, but also on the encouragement and generosity of our community and every supporter who shares our love for this music. I sincerely invite all friends who value cultural preservation to continue supporting us through your encouragement, participation, and charitable contributions, so that this nonprofit orchestra, which belongs to all of us, may continue to grow, thrive, and reach even more audiences.
This evening belongs to our outstanding musicians. Thank you to everyone who has joined us in support of tonight’s performance. I wish our 11th Anniversary Concert every success, and I hope each of you enjoys a wonderful and unforgettable evening of music.
Mary Su
Honorary Chairwoman
Chinese Music Association of Southern California
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