On the occasion of the 6th Annual Concert highlighting the life of a guest performer –
Dr. In-Hong Cha, Violin Professor and Orchestra Director at Wright State University in Ohio.
This article originally written in Korean, and is translated into English below the news clip.
(news published 9/13/2023).
The Inspirational Journey of Dr. In-Hong Cha
Love in Music’s 6th Annual Concert – September 21, 2013
Professor In-Hong Cha, famously known as the “Conductor in a Wheelchair,” will be making a special appearance at Love in Music’s 6th Annual Concert on September 21, 2013, at Sa-Rang Community Church. His incredible story of perseverance and success will serve as a powerful testament to the transformative power of volunteerism and music.
An Unforgettable Story of Hope and Determination
Born with polio and as an abandoned child, Professor Cha spent his early years in a rehabilitation center near Daejeon, South Korea. His life took a dramatic turn when Minja Kwak, a volunteer/violinist (formerly a member of the most prestigeous orchestra in Korea) gifted him a violin and gave him free lessons regularly. Through tireless dedication and passion, he overcame immense challenges and eventually became the first handicapped Korean-American violin professor/orchestra director at Wright State University in Ohio.
(Caption) “A Life-Changing Reunion” – Dr. Inhong Cha and Minja Kwak, the volunteer who not only gifted him his first violin but also provided him free violin lessons for years in his youth, share a heartfelt reunion at Love in Music’s 6th Annual Concert. As a child growing up in a rehabilitation center, Dr. Cha’s life was transformed by her kindness and dedication. She taught him tirelessly until he was referred to another professor who eventually helped him pursue violin studies in the United States. Now a celebrated violinist and orchestra conductor, Dr. Cha introduced his beloved first violin teacher/mentor to the audience with tearful gratitude. Their emotional embrace, met with thunderous applause, beautifully demonstrated the lasting power of compassion, mentorship, and music.
Recognizing Volunteerism and Its Impact
Music Director Yoon-Jae Park stated: “The message of this concert is the power of volunteerism and the miracles it can create. We are thrilled to have Professor Cha as a special guest, whose life is a testament to this very message. We are also excited to welcome Minja Kwak, who inspired Professor Cha’s journey, and will be presenting her with a certificate of appreciation.”
Executive Director Kwanil Park & Co-Founder added: “Every year, it’s incredibly moving to see children who received instruments and lessons through Love in Music proudly perform on stage. We hope more people will join this relay of love and service.”
Love in Music’s Continuing Mission
- Since its founding in 2007, Love in Music has provided free instruments and weekly music lessons to underserved children initially from black and Hispanic communities through 45 volunteers during its first five years, benefiting 67 students in the Los Angeles and Orange County area. The organization’s dedication to cross-cultural collaboration and racial harmony has earned it recognition from the community!
How to Support
- Love in Music is actively seeking volunteers and instrument donations to further its mission of promoting harmony through music. For more information, visit www.loveinmusic.org. Inquiries by email at Office of Love in Music – info@loveinmusic.org or loveinmusic2007@gmail.com.
(Reported by: Sookhee Jung, L.A. Korea Times, 9/16/2013)