Asia America Symphony Association to Present Bravo Awards

“Say It with Music” is the theme of the Asia America Symphony Association and Guild’s annual Bravo Awards gala on Sunday, June 16, at the Grand Hotel Downtown, 333 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. Reception at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m.

Gail Gerding-Mallert and Helen Ota

The honorees are: Roland Corporation, corporate supporters; Gail Gerding-Mellert, musician and teacher; Helen Ota, community leader and performer.

Helen Ota is director of donor engagement and special events for the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center. She is also active in the community serving as a board member of the Nisei Week Foundation (past president), Zentoku Foundation, and Veterans Memorial Court Alliance. She is an Advisory Council member of Kizuna, and Advisory Artistic Board member of Asian Pacific American Friends of Theatre. Ota is a performing member of the Grateful Crane Ensemble and artistic director emeritus of Cold Tofu Improv.

Roland Corporation is a leading manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments, including keyboards and synthesizers, guitar products, electronic percussion, digital recording equipment, amplifiers, and audio processing devices. With over 40 years of innovation that continues to shape the sound of modern music, Roland sets the standards in music technology for the world to follow.

Gail Gerding-Mellert is a native Southern Californian and graduate of USC’s Thornton School of Music. For over 35 years, she has continued to maintain her impressive reputation with her private studio of aspiring violinists. She was the recipient of the Studio Teacher of the Year Award from the American String Teachers Association, and is a member of the Peninsula Committee for the LA Phil, Mu Phi Epsilon, MTAC, and the American String Teachers Association. She is also a frequent adjudicator throughout Los Angeles.

Music will be provided by David Benoit and the Asia America Youth Symphony. David Ono of ABC7 Eyewitness News will serve as emcee.

Individual seats are $185 (Andante), $350 (Allegro), $550 (Con Brio) and $1,000 (Forte).

Upcoming: An Evening with Oleta Adams on Saturday, June 29, from 8 to 10:30 p.m. at Marsee Auditorium, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance.

The Asia America Symphony Association is dedicated to developing and mentoring young musicians, exposing and promoting music appreciation as well as supporting and partnering with similar organizations by providing educational and performing opportunities in a professional environment featuring classical and jazz concerts and integrating a wide array of music influences and styles from around the world. The music director and conductor of AASA is renowned pianist and composer David Benoit.

For more information, call (310) 377-8977, email AASA@AASymphony.org or visit www.AASymphony.org.