Pacific Chorale gathered with friends and supporters at The Park Club California for a special Dinner & Fundraiser honoring Ling and Charlie Zhang, two extraordinary champions of Pacific Chorale and passionate advocates for the arts in Orange County.

Held before Pacific Chorale’s season finale, A Serenade to Music, the evening celebrated Ling and Charlie’s generosity, vision, and deep belief in the power of choral music to bring people together. Guests enjoyed a meaningful program that included a video tribute from Annette Walker, President of City of Hope Orange County; remarks from Casey Reitz, President & CEO of Segerstrom Center for the Arts; and a special musical performance by mezzo-soprano I-Chin “Betty” Feinblatt and Christoph Bull.

Board Chair Julie Virjee, joined by Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, presented Ling and Charlie with Pacific Chorale’s Arts Champion Award in recognition of their visionary generosity, friendship, and commitment to ensuring Pacific Chorale continues to thrive for generations to come. During the presentation, Supervisor Foley also awarded Pacific Chorale a $25,000 grant, adding another meaningful investment in the organization’s artistic, education, and community impact.

In accepting the award, Ling and Charlie reflected on Pacific Chorale’s future: from expanded education programs and deeper community impact to artistic innovation and the creation of new work this fall. They also announced a $100,000 dollar-for-dollar matching gift to inspire others to join them in supporting Pacific Chorale’s next chapter.

The evening’s Fund-A-Need highlighted the many ways donor support helps Pacific Chorale carry music into more lives, including Pacific Chorale Academy, Choral Camp scholarships, teaching artists, curriculum materials, accompanists, and new commissions.

Together, the room reflected the spirit of Pacific Chorale at its best: friends, artists, civic leaders, and arts champions coming together in support of extraordinary music, meaningful education, and a future shaped by generosity.

Pacific Chorale extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ling and Charlie Zhang for their extraordinary leadership and vision, and to everyone who joined us for this memorable evening of celebration, music, and community.

Highlights: Zhang Dinner & Fundraiser