Los Angeles Classics and Pops Ensemble
The L.A. Classics & Pops Ensemble provides an aural experience which encompasses music from a wide range of genres, including repertoire which elegantly infuses jazz and classical. Each member has played in countless ensembles, orchestras, big bands, jazz/casual combos, and top 40/party bands. The ensemble's signature repertoire include Claude Bolling’s First Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio. Released in 1975 featuring the legendary flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal, the album hit the no. 1 spot of the Billboard Classical Charts, where it remained an astounding 2 years for a total of 530 weeks.
L.A. Classics & Pops Ensemble
The ensemble performs in community and private events across Southern California. Past venues include Newport Beach Public Library, Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, and Los Angeles City College.
*For venues with no piano or for outdoor events, the ensemble will use a stage digital piano and amplification as appropriate.
Key Players
Cathleen Wong (flute) holds a Bachelor and Master of Music from the University of Southern California. Ethnic flutes, recorders, as well as saxophone and clarinet became instruments she utilized professionally in live performance and studio recording. Working as a composer, Cathleen is a member of ASCAP, has written music for licensing (Megatrax Production Company), and has experience scoring for visual media (commercials, documentaries, shorts). She was an adjunct instructor at Harbor College, Marymount Palos Verdes, and, most recent position until 2018, at Webster University in El Segundo. Currently, she is enjoying her flute and performs locally in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
Sonia Lee (piano) performs a wide repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary to commercial to early music. She has appeared as guest soloist/director, collaborative artist, and masterclass teacher at numerous festivals and venues in nearly 150 cities on four continents. Her discography includes first recordings of music of Antonia Bembo, Joseph Weigl, and Leopold Kozeluch on Mark Records, Arabesque, and other labels. A past president of the Historical Keyboard Society of North America, she has served as faculty and staff pianist at Illinois Wesleyan University, Scripps College, and Rio Hondo College. She is music director and principal organist at Christ Church Parish in Ontario and St. Mary in Palms in Los Angeles.
Scott Graham (double bass) retired from Northrop Grumman Corporation, where he was an aerospace engineer for 31 years. He has been playing double bass for approximately 25 years and is a student of Louis Kabok. Scott plays in both jazz and classical ensembles. He is currently a member of the bass sections of Peninsula Symphony, Beach Cities Symphony Orchestra and the Orange County Millennial Choirs and Orchestra (OCMCO). He also plays in the Peninsulan’s Big Band, David Hughes Jazz Quintet and BKG Jazz Trio.
John Ryskowski (drums) purchased his first drum set at 16 and for over 40 years, continues to hone his skills. His teachers include artists such as Clarence Johnson, Billy Moore, and Richard Wilson. He has played with Big Jay McNeely, the Dorsey Orchestra, gospel choirs, and other groups throughout the Los Angeles area. He even performed a “drum and organ” concert with his life-long friend, Dr. James Hurd, professor at El Camino College.
