Pops Concert 2026: Remembering Aaron Dai

On May 20, the Arcadia Orchestras held their annual Pops Concert, and this year, it was unlike any other. Before the first note was even played, the evening already took on a deeper meaning, as this concert was a tribute to junior Symphony violinist Jiarui “Aaron” Dai, who passed away unexpectedly just days before the concert. He was a beloved member of the orchestra community and served as the Directors’ Assistant on Orchestra Council. This night reminded us why music matters: it carries and unites everyone through joy, grief, and everything in between.

Setting the tone of the evening, Premier Orchestra opened with The Mandalorian theme before going into hit songs like Hozier’s “Too Sweet” and Radiohead’s “Creep.” The group closed with “Your Idol” from the animated film KPOP Demon Hunters. String Orchestra followed with some warmth and playfulness, featuring Laufey’s “Lover Girl,” George Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm,” and “Toho Rhythm Carnival,” an original piece arranged and conducted by senior String violinist Kaiser Meng.

As the night continued, Concert Orchestra brought even more movie magic as they played “Merry Go Round of Life” from Howl’s Moving Castle, Henry Mancini’s classic Pink Panther theme, and a sweeping medley of pieces from The Incredibles 2. To end the orchestra portion of the concert, Symphony Orchestra took the stage with an infectious Latin piece, “Bossa Rojo,” “Havana” by Camila Cabello, a tension-filled “Muzan vs. Hashiras” from Demon Slayer, and Joe Hisaishi’s enchanting My Neighbor Totoro theme. 

The concert also included another special touch for the audience. From String, Concert, and Symphony, there were improvised solos spotlighting standout musicians from each group. These student-voted musicians worked hard to put their creativity and artistic skills on full display.

With the audience still feeling the vibrant music, Symphony Orchestra’s closing piece, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s “Die With a Smile,” had been specially retitled “Dai” With a Smile in Aaron’s honor. The string arrangement was bittersweet and deeply emotional, reflecting the song’s central message: that we must cherish our loved ones, because none of us are promised tomorrow. In that moment, the music wasn’t just a performance — it was a dedicated message from the entire Arcadia Orchestras and communities.

When the final note faded, one thing was clear: Aaron Dai may no longer physically be with us, but his passion for music and his warmth live on in every note his fellow peers played that night. If this concert proved anything, it’s that the Arcadia Orchestra family takes care of each other, on and off the stage.