Over the summer, we had a chance to talk with faculty member Yi-Ju Lai  about her experience with Music in the Rose Garden, a collaboration that began in 2023 after The Huntington’s Curator of the Rose Collection, Tom Carruth, was inspired by a musical performance during a visit at the Portland Rose Garden. Upon returning home, he spearheaded a new initiative to provide musical programming in The Huntington’s Rose Garden. Yi-Ju has now participated in several programs, selecting pieces inspired both by the gardens and the people who come to listen.

This interview was conducted on June 24, 2026 and has been edited for length and clarity.

How did you become involved with Music in the Rose Garden?

When I was first invited to participate, I didn’t know much about the program because I had only just joined PCM. Also I had just had my daughter, so I didn’t really have much time to take on extra performances, but I really wanted to help bring PCM music out to the community – so I said I would play it by ear later.

The second time I was asked I knew I had to do it because I’ve always thought that classical music in particular can be a little intimidating to people. Plus, I’ve also always wanted to play in a setting where people are free to come and go. If they like the music, they can stay; if they don’t like it, they can leave and I’m not offended. Or if they’ve always been curious and never had a chance to really listen, it’s the perfect timing and opportunity.

Also a little corner of my heart wanted to play where kids can play and make noise. I had never thought of that before I had my daughter because I’m a really strictly classically-trained pianist. So this totally new way of thinking made me want to try it out.

The other reason I said yes is because every year, my husband and I agree to do at least one new thing that pushes our comfort levels. Music in the Rose Garden was one of them for me because I’m a very, very shy person and I get nervous speaking in front of people. So we thought that this would be a good experience for me.

How do you create your programs for Music in the Rose Garden?

I’m in charge of my own programming and I try to do different things every time, just to test it out. I like to experiment a lot more than I used to and I want to see which program people enjoy more. For example, I played two Rose Garden concerts this last spring. At the first one, I played mostly piano sonatas. For the second, I played Bluey-inspired music because my daughter watches that show a lot, and I noticed that it uses a lot of classical music.
So I played all the classical piano music that appeared in Bluey, plus other songs from Bluey that I could find transcriptions for. To supplement, I found other pieces that are similar and have a similar vibe.

What’s your process and inspiration for selecting music? 

Inspiration comes from daily experiences. For example, when I hear a new piece of music, I make note of how it makes me feel, what it makes me think. Then I imagine how other people might feel when they hear certain types of music. This process also inspires me to find and experience new and different styles of music, with different themes. I’m mostly just curious to see how people react to the music I choose!

Do you have a favorite theme that you’ve done so far?

I like them all because they’re so different! The Bluey theme was very popular because it’s more accessible to the general public. Another popular program had music from the Romantic and Impressionist periods, with pieces by Chopin, Debussy, Ravel, Satie, and other composers like that.

How is Music in the Rose Garden different from a traditional concert? 

I think it’s more welcoming. Part of my mission, and also PCM’s mission, is to make music more accessible.
 And I think Music in the Rose Garden is the perfect way to do that because people are walking by and they can decide to stop and listen to the performance, or they can keep walking.

What’s it like playing outside in the garden?

Oh, I love it. Especially during the spring — you smell the roses, you hear the birds, you hear kids screaming. Like when I was playing, my daughter was running across the lawn screaming, “I’m Rapunzel!”

Playing in this kind of setting is also great because it makes me relax. 
I don’t get too nervous when I perform, and playing in nature makes me even more calm. I also love hearing people talk a little bit here and there when I’m playing. Whether they’re talking about the music or whatever, it makes me feel a little less self-conscious because I know people are there just to listen to and enjoy the music.

What other programs are you involved in at PCM?

I teach group piano classes, which is another new challenge for myself. I’m teaching both adult group piano and also the kids group piano — and it’s been great! I know I am having an impact on students by teaching these classes, but I’m also learning a lot from them. Each class, I learn something new and adjust my teaching style week to week, just like I do with private students. But when it’s a group setting, it’s a whole other challenge because there are eight students at each class and everybody learns differently.

What has been your favorite PCM memory so far? 

I like my interactions with the faculty because they are all so warm. I like how everybody is friendly and can joke around, but they still have a serious side. I think that’s what an institution needs: you need to be serious about what you’re doing, but also make it fun.

I think my favorite memory would be when I played in a Musical Interludes concert in 2025. I was one of the performers and it was one of my first serious performances after I had my daughter. When you have a kid, and with my teaching schedule, it’s so hard to practice. But I was so happy when they asked me to play the concert because that gave me motivation and a reason to practice. I also panicked a little, to be honest — I hadn’t performed for a while because of this little kid. But afterwards, everyone was so happy, so encouraging. I was really thankful that they trusted me and asked me to perform.

What’s one thing you wish people knew about playing the piano? 

I wish people knew that playing the piano can be fun. I notice a lot of students feel stressed because they have to have a particular hand position, or they need to do this or that. But I feel like whenever they can take the pressure off and make the process a little less intense, they can improve a lot more. That’s also one of my goals for my students — I try to make it more fun!

Why do you think people should come to music in the Rose Garden?

Walking in the Rose Garden is great, I personally go there quite often, but who wouldn’t want to have background music? It’s just a plus! Life with music is always better!

The first fall Music in the Rose Garden takes place on September 21, 2026 and follows each Monday through November 9, 2026. You can follow along with our event calendar here and we hope to see you there!