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2026 ACDA Midwestern Region Conference February 25-28, 2026 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Headliners/Opening Night Concert
H eadliners/O pening Nigh t C onc er t

ing, his versatility is evident in both Western symphony
H eadliners orchestra and traditional Korean orchestra conducting
Headliners
and instruction. He has elevated the stature of Korean
choral conductors and composers on the global stage
JOA Choir (South Korea) both in performance and as a competition/festival ju-
ror. He has composed numerous choral works, tradi-
tional Korean pieces, and even opera, all earning high
praise.

Lyyra

JOA Choir was founded in January 2016. Based in
Busan and designated a professional arts organization
by Busan Metropolitan City, this ladies’ choir is guid-
ed by conductor Gun Yoon Lee. They interpret and
perform a diverse repertoire—from classical to popular
music, traditional Korean sounds, and jazz—through
the distinctive beauty and delicacy of women’s voices. Lyyra is the new all-women vocal ensemble from
Pursuing a sound that stands apart from conventional The VOCES8 Foundation and is based in the United
female choirs, they offer a fresh model to Korea’s arts States. Lyyra records exclusively for Warner Classics
scene and are growing toward the global stage. In 2022 and seeks to redefine the genre of upper voice music
they drew strong attention as one of the most notable in the choral landscape, highlighting the astonishing
choirs on the audition TV show Sing For Gold, and in capabilities within the full spectrum of women’s sing-
2025 they won the Grand Prix at the Korea Interna- ing. The sound of this bright, young group combines
tional Choral Competition. velvety richness alongside star-like brilliance. With a
broad texture and exhilarating range of sound, the
Gun Yoon Lee was born in Busan, South group’s talented members specialize in classical, jazz,
Korea. Drawn to the allure of music in pop, and folk music from diverse traditions and back-
middle school, he began composing and grounds. Lyyra tours in the United States and inter-
studying music and later pursued con- nationally. The group gave its debut performances in
ducting, graduating from Chung-Ang 2024, including ACDA, and released its debut EP More
University, where he was the student of Dr. Hak-Won Love on the VOCES8 label. Lyyra is Anna Crumley,
Yoon, Korea’s “Grandfather of Choral Music.” He MaryRuth Miller, Elizabeth Tait, Aryssa Leigh Burrs,
currently serves as the principal conductor of the Any- Ingrid Johnson, and Cecille Elliott. Lyyra’s creative di-
ang City Boys & Girls Chorus and conducts the Sun- rector is Erik Jacobson.
hwa Arts School Choir. In addition to choral conduct-

48 CHORAL JOURNAL January 2026 Volume 66 Number 5