A flute player who studied under Paul Senia at the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music, which merged into CalArts, Cho (LA Conservatory of Music MFA 65) eventually went on to become a conductor.

Cho is survived by his wife, Jang Ock Cho; his three daughters, Elizabeth, Ann, and Susan Cho; and his stepson and spouse, Paul and Emily, and three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.