The 2023 first prize winner of the American Harp Society’s National Solo Harp Competition Intermediate I Division, Naomi Gesk is a junior at University High School where she plays bass and harp in the Symphonic Orchestra. She has earned numerous awards and accolades as a soloist, chamber musician and member of honors high school orchestras. In middle school, Naomi performed Handel’s Harp Concerto in B-flat major with the school orchestra, conducted by the beloved Mr. Brendan McBrien. She is part of the Music and Healing Volunteer Program at UCI Medical Center, and, as a CHOC 100+ day alumnus, has fundraised by playing in a restorative yoga class taught by her dad. Since age 10, Naomi has served as the harpist for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, which recently bestowed her the Presidential Gold Medal Service Award. She is blessed with a wonderful teacher, Koni Choi, whose care and support extend far beyond harp. Naomi plays on her high school volleyball team, and works as a lifeguard during the summer months and throughout the year as an assistant volleyball coach and freelance harpist.
Min-Hyuk (Raphael) Jang is a flutist and piccoloist. Raphael started playing flute since 3 rd grade as his music teacher recommended after hearing him playing recorder. He won various competitions as a flutist and currently is the principal flutist of CLHS symphony orchestra. Recently he started conducting as well. Various pieces were performed under his baton at senior center, Irvine Marriott Hotel, Irvine Barclay Theater with the HSOM Chamber orchestra and CLHS symphony orchestra.
You can find the duet’s 2024 Summer Music Competition performance here.