Amid music and applause, South Coast Chinese Orchestra conductor Bin He received Arts Orange County’s 2025 Outstanding Artist Award for his excellence as musician, composer, conductor, educator, and cultural ambassador on September 16.
Music Inspires · Honor Shared
The awards ceremony lit up the Samueli Theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, opening with South Coast Chinese Orchestra musicians performing “Nezha” from Legends—a stirring blend of strings, flute, and voice that drew thunderous applause and set the stage for an unforgettable night of art.
He emphasized that this honor belongs not only to him, but also to the wider Chinese American community and all who love the arts.
In his acceptance speech, He said the recognition was shared with every performer, collaborator, and volunteer who brought Legends to life.
The 2025 production featured 260 performers ranging in age from 5 to 83, a true reflection of community collaboration.
He expressed deep gratitude to Janie Tsao, Board Chair of the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association; Yulan Chung, CEO of the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center; Jiangli Yu, Artistic Director and his wife; his family; and his friend Cheer Pan for their trust and support throughout the creative process.
Orchestra Dreams · Community United
“Stage performance has a unique power—it transcends language, culture, and differences,” He said.
“Legends has never been just a show, but an ongoing journey—a celebration of unity, culture, and connection. Each note, each movement, each story reminds us of the warmth and strength of community.”
Founded in 2017 by CEO Yulan Chung and supported by Board Chair Janie Tsao, the South Coast Chinese Orchestra has become Orange County’s only full-scale Chinese orchestra.
Led by He and Artistic Director Yu, the group draws music lovers of all ages, combining Chinese instruments such as erhu, pipa, and guzheng with Western instruments like violin, cello, flute, and harp.
Legends on Stage · Culture Sustained
Since 2019, the orchestra has collaborated with the Chinese Dance Company of Southern California to present original musicals including Mulan, Monkey King, and Nezha.
In 2024, Legends premiered at Segerstrom Hall, blending music, dance, martial arts, rhythmic gymnastics, and multimedia effects to bring iconic Chinese figures—Mulan, Nezha, and the Monkey King—to life.
The show marked a milestone in introducing Chinese culture to broader audiences. In May 2025, Legends 2.0 returned to Segerstrom Hall for Mother’s Day, selling out and setting a new box-office record for Asian American musicals.
Shining in OC · Chinese Arts Endure
“Seeing Bin He receive this award tonight fills me with pride and joy,” said CEO Yulan Chung.
“For Legends to grow from a community effort to a mainstream stage success is not only an artistic triumph but also a milestone for cultural exchange and inclusion.”
“This honor belongs to the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, the orchestra, and all community members who cherish the arts.”
Above photo and video by Brittary
The 25th Annual Arts OC Awards drew prominent figures from across the county.
Guests included Katrina Foley, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors; SCCCA Board Chair Janie Tsao; board members Wendi Chen and Rose Cheung; Secretary Beatrice Tseng; and CEO Yulan Chung, all present to congratulate He.
Above award photos by Tony Lattimore Photography
From a modest community ensemble to receiving one of Orange County’s highest cultural honors, the SCCCO has, in just seven years, built bridges through music and redefined the stage presentation of Chinese culture.
Bin He’s recognition stands as a powerful symbol of Asian American artists shining brightly in the mainstream and adding a vibrant new chapter to Orange County’s artistic legacy.