Italy Travel Book
This summer, GTIYO’s concert tour in Italy marks its first international trip since the pandemic shut down our orchestra’s travel plans for the last three years. What an honor and pleasure it was to serve as cultural ambassadors once again, bringing a letter of goodwill from Toledo to our newest sister city in Ferrara, Italy. Though we visited the beautiful cities of Modena, Bologna, and Verona, our time in Ferrara was truly special—it felt meaningful and impactful to carry out our mission to bridge cultures, spread good will, and cheer. These moments of music, connection, and diplomacy are what the GTIYO experience is all about.
On this tour, we performed two very special concerts. Our first performance took place at a beautiful beach reception, where we played with the salty air and gentle breeze kissing our faces while guests wined and dined. Our second major concert was breathtaking and unforgettable because we performed in Ferrara’s oldest concert hall. Built in 1790, this concert hall was steeped in history and was the regal backdrop to an unforgettable performance. Ferrara gave GTIYO a very warm welcome and it was an honor to leave our legacy among the 400+ year history of the theater.
Next, I would like to thank some very important people who made this tour possible. Our incredible parent Board—THANK YOU for your dedication to making sure our kids stayed safe, had fun, and made meaningful memories. Thank you to our team leaders, John Beck, Stephanie Moore and Dan Perry, for planning the logistics for the tour—from instrument rentals, settling concert venues, and organizing city tours—this was not an easy feat, and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the behind-the-scenes work that went into making this tour smooth and safe. Thank you to our secretary John Beck for updating all of our member and Board materials, and for giving our website and social media an upgrade so that family and friends could follow our fun trip, and so that future generations of GTIYO can be guided by clear rules and procedures.
Finally, a huge thank you to Rhonda Asselin who went on her last tour as Treasurer. Not only are we so grateful for the integrity she brings to bookkeeping and budgeting, but we are also so lucky for her loyalty and dedication to the orchestra. Rhonda has served GTIYO for the better part of a decade with her oldest daughter and son also playing violin and double bass in the orchestra, respectively. Between Rhonda and her husband Dave, they have served as Manager, President, and Treasurer, and they have been faithful parent supporters of the orchestra for many years.
Finally, a reflection about the relationship between music and magic tricks. Everyone knows I love performing magic tricks. When I perform these tricks, it’s to make people relax, laugh, and experience a moment of delight. In a way, musicians and magicians are similar because they are both performers and entertainers. But to me, music is not just a trick—it’s real magic. To perform Chinese and American music for an Italian audience in a theater that is hundreds of years old and to move the hearts and souls of a global audience—that’s magic. Music transcends time and geographic borders. It is an international language that builds bridges, promotes understanding, and inspires peace and compassion.
Thank you, students, families, and supporters of GTIYO—for supporting our mission to bridge cultures through music. You are what makes this musical family truly magical. I look forward to many more years of delightful international travel and magical music-making!
Musically Yours,
Mr. Yang Kun Song
GTIYO Founder, Conductor, and Music Director