I saw a violinist perform for the first time on the steps of San Francisco City Hall for the 14th Anniversary APA Heritage Gala when I was almost 2 years old. I ran up to her and danced around her while she performed (I hope I wasn't distracting).
I was so amused by the music that I asked my mom to buy me a violin. Almost three years later, I began my violin journey with the Suzuki Method on a box. Fast forward three more years, on May 1, 2024, I will be performing the Butterfly Violin Concerto (梁祝) on the steps of San Francisco City Hall for the 20th Anniversary Gala! I am just over the moon with joy and excitement!
"In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the APA Heritage Awards have been presented by the APA Heritage Celebration Committee to promote the visibility of Asian American achievements in the City and County of San Francisco." Two years before I was born, my dad, Jonathan Leong, was the 2014 Honoree! This year, the Honorees are Rose Chung and Mayor Willie Brown. Congratulations!
I will also be performing at the Herbst Theater for the 20th Anniversary APA Heritage Awards. Two years ago, at 5 years old, I kicked off the event singing the National Anthem and on May 1, 2024, I will be back to perform 梁山伯与祝英台小提琴协奏曲!
Capacity in both Herbst Theater and City Hall are limited. RSVP is required.