A graduate of The Juilliard School and Yale School of Music, cellist Angela Lee earned a Fulbright scholarship to study in London with William Pleeth, a grant from the Foundation for American Musicians in Europe, the Jury Prize in the Naumburg International Cello Competition, and a cello performance fellowship from the American-Scandinavian

Foundation. She is a founding member of The Lee Trio, which won top prizes in the Kuhmo International Chamber Music Competition in Finland and the Gaetano Zinetti International.

Chamber Music Competition in Italy. In its third decade, the Trio regularly gives master classes and performs worldwide as well as commissioning and premiering works of numerous living composers. The Lee Trio has recorded on Delos, Innova, and the Chelsea Music Festival Records labels. The Trio's latest album, Midsummer Night Magic, was released in 2024 to critical acclaim. Using music to foster peace and goodwill, Angela Lee has made humanitarian trips to the Republic of the Philippines and the former Yugoslavia. While on a U.N.-sanctioned tour of six war-torn cities throughout Bosnia-Herzegovina, she performed for NATO troops and displaced civilians. Ms. Lee joined Ensemble SF in 2022 and has been coaching chamber music at SFCM since 2017. Her Neapolitan cello is made by Nicolo Gagliano dated 1762.

Nick Sager is a musician with a passion for drums and percussion. In addition to his proficiency as a drummer, he brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to the world of music. With a background in music therapy, he has made a significant impact on the field of therapeutic music, particularly in the context of senior care.

His work with percussion is not merely about beats and rhythms; it's about storytelling. He has a vivid imagination that shines through in his music. Nick's ability to create captivating narratives and evoke emotions through the craft of percussive sounds is truly awe-inspiring. He weaves intricate and dynamic stories within his drumming, infusing every performance with a sense of wonder and excitement.

Beyond his musical pursuits, Nick's work as a music therapist has been transformative. He has harnessed the power of music to improve the lives of seniors, using his expertise to enhance their well-being through carefully designed activities and therapies. Nick's passion for music therapy has made a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals, making him a respected figure in the senior care community.

“Crystal Jang dedicates her performance in memory her late friend and Sensei, Carol Ayers - founder of Kotobuki Taiko.”

“Ichi-go Ichi-e”

After dedicating 37 years of her life to the noble vocation of a San Francisco Unified School District educator, Crystal embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery at the venerable age of 65. Her profound passion for the ancient art of Taiko drumming was kindled within the halls of the Stonestown Y Senior Annex. Inspired by founder of Kotobuki Taiko, Sensei Carol Ayers, Crystal now stands alongside many passionate and talented seniors of the Kotobuki Taiko Senior Drummers. Kotobuki Taiko brings their vibrant and uplifting rhythm to senior centers and cultural events all over the Bay Area.

When her hands are not beating rhythms on Taiko drums or gracefully flowing through the ancient movements of Taichi, her voice is strong in elevating the visibility and dignity of the API Senior and Queer Communities. In her eyes, the profound synergy between the rhythmic cadence of Taiko drumming and the meditative grace of Taichi offers the alchemical elixir for the enrichment of one's mind, body, and soul, an elixir that defies the relentless march of time and keeps the spirit forever young.

Lily Zhang, M.C.  A public interest attorney by profession, Ms. Zhang has been a dedicated member of the Bay Area’s Chinese community for over two decades. She has organized and emceed numerous well-received concerts and variety shows celebrating Chinese culture. In her free time, Ms. Zhang enjoys learning, teaching, and performing Chinese dance, as well as collaborating with other artists to share art and joy with the community.