On Saturday, November 2, the Philharmonic welcomed back superstar violinist Siqing Lu P’27 as the featured performer of its season-opening concert.
Founded in 2018 through the generosity of Barbara Walsh Hostetter ’77 and her husband Amos, the Philharmonic allows students to practice and perform with professional musicians. Mr. Fabio Witkowski, head of the visual and performing arts department, said, “I’m so happy to see our students having the unique experience of working with professionals. The students participating had to work hard constantly, not just during the weeks before the concert but consistently over the years.”
Born in Qingdao, China, in 1969, Mr. Lu began playing the violin at the age of four. At age eight, he became the youngest student ever admitted to the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing; at 11, he was hand-picked by famous violinist Lord Yehudi Menuhin to study in London. In 1987, Mr. Lu was the first Asian violinist to win first prize at the prestigious International Paganini Violin Competition. He was the first Chinese violinist-appointed soloist-in-residence at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and currently serves as its artistic ambassador.
Mr. Lu performs on the 1734 Ex Ricci Guarneri del Gesu violin, generously provided by an anonymous arts patron. The Guarneri family made some of the most coveted violins in the world, some of which are valued at over ten million dollars.
Saturday’s program featured Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, Mascagni’s Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana, and Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor. Mr. Witkowski said, “I wanted to organize an exciting while challenging repertoire that appeals to the students and the audience. However, I also had to be mindful of the restraints—we had only a very few rehearsals to put everything together.”
Alex Lu ’27, the associate concertmaster of the orchestra, said, “The repertoire selection this year is top-notch. All three pieces have exquisite, heart-warming melodies that flow together as a theme magnificently. Rehearsing with the pros was a cherishable experience, since it’s rare to get a chance to play with them. It’s very fortunate that we are able to play these pieces at such a high level.”
Audience member and pianist Jeremy Cao ’28 said, “The orchestra’s performance was spectacular. Mr. Lu’s playing was virtuosic. It was one of the best interpretations of the Bruch concerto I’ve ever heard.”
After the concert, Mr. Lu said, “It’s a great pleasure to work with the Philharmonic. Students and professionals worked hard to bring the music to a high standard. Mr. Witkowski is a fabulous conductor; musically, we are extremely in sync, and we were able to present an exhilarating performance at the highest form of artistry. The audience here is fantastic, too. Every time I come, I feel a lot of passion from them. The music program is inspiring the whole community!”
