PROJECT
AVANTI
Moving Kids cancer research forward
About Us
Welcome one and all! Meet the founding members of Project Avanti.
Lorene Boisvert - Flute
I am proud to be a founding member of Project Avanti. Being a musician and a self taught painter, my vision is to support kids cancer research by organizing artistic events in Los Angeles. Growing up in France, I was a dedicated student of flute and chamber music at the Conservatory of Nantes. In Los Angeles, I have performed with various chamber music groups, notably with the Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Orchestra.
Performing with Avanti is a very heartwarming experience for me and my way to heal from the traumatic experience of going through my son's early childhood leukemia. I gave myself the mission to raise funds to help move kids cancer research forward by supporting the Cellular Therapies program at UCLA Mattel Hospital, where my son was treated. By getting the community together I know that we can make a difference!
Kay Min - Piano
I am very excited and proud to be a founding member of Project Avanti! We all know family, friends, even a friend of a friend, who is affected by cancer. I, myself, had a recent scare with early-stage breast cancer.
Music is such a powerful and healing force. As a musician, I am very happy and honored to partake in this gigantic challenge of conquering cancer through music. I truly believe if we all come together in whatever way we can, big or small, we can beat cancer and find a cure. Cancer Be Gone!
I was born and raised in Seoul, Korea, and moved to the states in 1991. I was fortunate to have a few great teachers like Kathleen Roach, Joseph Matthews, and Ruth Laredo here in California and New York. I perform with musicians in the greater Los Angeles area, and serve as a music director of LA Opera education program. I also have a passion for teaching, and feel privileged to help nourish and cultivate young minds and talent. I currently have a private studio in West LA, and faculty post at Pasadena Conservatory of Music.
Chris Thomas - Cello
I'm Chris Thomas, and a proud founding member of Project Avanti. I am a composer for film, tv, and theme parks. When I'm not composing, I enjoy playing cello. Most recently, I have enjoyed performing with the Los Angeles Doctors Orchestra. It was there I met Lorene, and we shared how childhood and young adult cancer has impacted our lives.
My youngest sister and mom recently fought cancer, and won. In these scary situations, a musician like me can only play a supporting role to those around them. Treating cancer is what brilliant doctors do, and most of us wish they could do more. Lorene showed me that we, as musicians, could do something. We can raise funds, cultivate awareness of groundbreaking research, and play a supporting role to the doctors who fight these illnesses. With our community's support, I believe Project Avanti will make a difference.