Lilian Vo (bassoonist) was awarded undergraduate student travel funds to attend the Eastern Music Festival for Summer 2021. During her time there, Vo met musicians from all over the world, played in chamber groups with coaches, and attended studio classes.
Vo worked with bassoon faculty members George Sakakeeny, Eastman School of Music and Karla Ekholm, principal San Francisco Chamber Orchestra in weekly studio classes. Vo also participated in daily rehearsals for weekly concerts with rotating repertoire. This repertoire featured many well known works, with Vo’s favorite being Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition.
Vo’s favorite part of the festival were the nightly concerts, consisting primarily of faculty chamber performances with a faculty orchestra concert on Saturday evenings. “I really got to learn and absorb information through watching professionals perform”, says Vo.
Vo’s time at the Eastern Music Festival was unforgettable. “I am extremely grateful that I got the opportunity to attend this festival. I got to meet so many amazing people and I was able to create connections and friendships with them!”