Kristine Lu has been playing the piano for over twelve years now, and has been studying with her current teacher, Ms. He-Lyun Chung, for ten years. Throughout her studies, she's had the opportunity to perform and experience Bach's incredible intellect, Chopin's romantic lyricism, Beethoven's vivacity and energy, and much more. She has played in Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Metallener Saal of the Musikverein in Vienna, and more. In addition, she has performed with Junior Chamber Music, as the principal pianist of the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, and a soloist with the Saddleback College Orchestra. Besides playing the piano, Kristine also participates in math olympiads and is planning on studying math in college. In her free time, she loves to bake, run, rock climb, and read. She hopes to continue studying classical piano and sharing music in college and beyond.

Zara B’far has been studying the cello for 13 years with an unwavering love for music. Every Saturday since she was 5 years old, she has studied with Professor Joon Sung Jun, who has shaped her into the cello player she is today. She holds the record for 11 years in the Junior Chamber Music program, through which she has met many musical friends and mentors. She has been a JCM Debut Artist for 3 years, and has won 1st Prize in the JCM Chamber Music Competition. She has performed in numerous master classes in the US and abroad, and has performed at Nixon Library, Chapman Musco Center for the Arts, Soka Performing Arts Center, and the Cerritos Performing Arts Center. Zara considers her cello her “constant companion”, as it has taken her on journeys to cities like Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Berlin, and various cities in Italy. Although competing is not her favorite thing to do, she has won 1st prize in the MTAC VOCE State Competition (in both Junior and Senior Divisions), 1st prize in Satori Prodigy Division, and 1st prize in the International Grande competition in NYC. Last summer, she attended the Amici Music Festival where she performed for a masterclass with Professor Andrew Shulman. In addition to classical music, Zara thoroughly enjoys playing the guitar and listening to jazz.

Aside from music, Zara loves to read and learn about philosophy, play basketball, and spend time with friends. She is immensely grateful for the support of her family, mentors, and fellow musicians who have helped shape her into an artist. She is honored to be chosen by the Barum Foundation to perform today.

Lucas Nguyen