Roman Andrew Borek

Roman Borek is one of PCM’s unsung heroes – and that’s exactly how he would want it. But, we are delighted to pay tribute to him as we announce the inauguration of the Roman Andrew Borek Endowed Scholarship, an award funded by The Fine Arts Club of Pasadena.

Roman Borek (September 10, 1939 – December 9, 2019) received a Masters Degree in Theology from Ambassador College and was the Business House Manager at Ambassador Auditorium, where he was known as “Mr. Ambassador”. Throughout his time there, he hosted visits by Queen Sirikit of Thailand, Mrs. Anwar (Jehan) Sadat, Bing Crosby, Gene Kelly, The London Symphony Orchestra, The Moscow Ballet, The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Luciano Pavarotti, Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr, Frank Sinatra, Leonard Bernstein, Lucille Ball, and many other performers and dignitaries.

Roman was also an important behind-the-scenes volunteer for PCM for more than twenty years, beginning in the early 1990’s when the Conservatory was situated in a modest bungalow in north Pasadena. In those days, we did not have access to an appropriate performance venue for the caliber of students we wanted to showcase, so Roman facilitated introductions with the administration of Ambassador College. For several years thereafter PCM was able to present its annual showcase in the small, beautiful recital hall that was adjacent to the famed Ambassador Auditorium.

Roman served on the PCM Advisory Council, became a trusted friend to the administration and an invaluable volunteer, helping to facilitate countless PCM performances in private homes (Mansions and Music concerts) and other off-campus performances.

Roman was always incredibly generous with his time and resources. He was a member, officer and/or board member/Director for the following organizations: The Fine Art Club of Pasadena, MacDowell Club of Allied Arts, Gamble House, Pasadena Arts Council, English Speaking Union, and Tanglewood Music Festival.

The Fine Arts Club

For over a century, the Fine Arts Club of Pasadena has been dedicated to supporting the arts and artists by encouraging the creation, execution, and appreciation of work in all branches of the fine arts. Their mission is grounded in the belief that the arts are vital to our culture and that artists deserve our support.

The Fine Arts Club of Pasadena aims to enrich the cultural life of Pasadena and to encourage the unique individual expression of each artist. To accomplish this mission, they provide a venue for artists to perform and exhibit their work, and provide awards to outstanding students in arts programs at local colleges and universities.

The Roman Andrew Borek Endowed Scholarship

The Roman Andrew Borek Endowed Scholarship is an annual award funded by The Fine Arts Club of Pasadena. Each year, PCM will select the recipient – a Junior or Senior high school student playing at a high level – for the scholarship, which will cover a portion of their annual tuition.

Eddie Zhou: The inaugural recipient of the Roman Andrew Borek Endowed Scholarship

The 2021–2022 recipient of the Roman Andrew Borek Endowed Scholarship is 17-year-old violinist, Eddie Zhou. Eddie participates in PCM’s chamber music program, studies violin and chamber music with PCM Artist Teacher, Aimee Kreston, and is a senior at South Pasadena High School. Eddie participates in PCM events and recitals and volunteers for PCM activities such as Meet The Instruments, ArtNight, and the PCM Chamber Music Competition. He has been a student at PCM since 2005.