Trio Celeste after accepting their Emerging Artist Award.

Kevin Kwan Loucks (EMBA ’17) and the rest of Trio Celeste, an award-winning musical ensemble, were honored with the Emerging Artist Award at Arts Orange County’s 18th Annual Orange County Arts Awards on Oct. 17, 2017 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.

In addition to his work as a pianist forTrio Celeste, Kevin enjoys a multifaceted career as international concert artist, educator and arts entrepreneur. He is president of Chamber Music | OC, an organization dedicated to promoting the art of chamber music through performance, education and community outreach in Orange County.

“I am so pleased to be part of one of the most vibrant cultural scenes in the country,” said Kevin. “Orange County represents a hotbed of talent, commerce and entrepreneurship. Chapman University is at the center of all of this, and its unwavering support of its graduates is both unique and refreshing.”

Kevin Kwan Loucks and Trio Celeste accepting their Emerging Artist Award.

In just five years, Chamber Music | OC has established itself as one of the most dynamic arts organizations in the country supported by robust leadership including Pulitzer Prize and GRAMMY Award Winners, Orange County civic leaders, and Chapman University’s President Daniele Struppa, and Deans Lisa Sparks and Thomas Turk.

“I cannot say enough about the commitment of President Daniele Struppa, associate provost Ken Murphy, and Dean Thomas Turk, all of whom strive endlessly to create an academic environment that is both nurturing and real-world applicable,” said Kevin. “Their mentorship has challenged me to think about the role of arts and culture in so many different ways and I am grateful for their leadership and generosity. This award is a celebration of all that Chapman believes in—nurturing visionaries in a way that is truly in tune with the greater needs of our community and the world.”

Kevin was named one of Orange County’s most influential people by OC Weekly in 2015. He earned his doctorate in piano performance (DPP) from Stony Brook University and master’s degree from the Juilliard School in New York.

Iryna Krechkovsky and Kevin Kwan Loucks of Trio Celeste.

Trio Céleste’s award follows the ensemble’s critically-acclaimed and sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall in April, three-week concert tour in Asia in May, and the release of their first record, a self-titled album that debuted at #5 on iTunes for “Best Seller New Release” and #20 on Amazon’s “Chamber Music Albums.”

“It is always humbling to be recognized for your work. Artists need to be tireless advocates of their personal expression as it seems to regularly be under fire,” said Kevin. “Our personal experiences fuel our outlook on life and inspire our need to express ourselves in original ways.”

 

Explore and Connect Further: