- Chicago Violinist Partners with Valparaiso University
Pictured: Yuan Qing Sept. 28 — Violinist Yuan-Qing Yu has been a leader in the Chicago classical music scene for more than 15 years. Yuan-Qing began playing violin at the age of six and graduated with the highest distinction from the Shanghai Conservatory. At age 17, she won the Chinese Nationwide Violin Competition, and after only one year of playing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, she was appointed the Assistant Concertmaster.
Beginning in the 2011-12 academic year, Yuan-Qing will be named Artist-Teacher in Music at Valparaiso University. To mark the occasion, the Valparaiso University Symphony Orchestra will feature Yuan-Qing and her colleague Brant Taylor, cellist from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, in the annual Homecoming Concert at the Chapel of the Resurrection.
“You will hear one of Brahms’ most important works for solo instruments, his Double Concerto for violin and cello, composed in 1887,” said Yuan-Qing. “I chose this piece for Homecoming because it’s a challenging virtuoso work with an added chamber music element to it, and, unlike many other concerti, this work features technical demands for the orchestra as well as rich sonic grandeur. ”
Yuan-Qing said the dedication of the faculty and the passion of the students attracted her to Valpo.
“I look forward to working with the faculty as a team and helping our students blossom into mature musicians and citizens,” said Yuan-Qing.
As Artist-Teacher of Music, Yuan-Qing will teach violin, coach chamber music, and serve as advisor to the University’s string and orchestra programs.“The Homecoming Concert marks the start of our relationship with Yuan-Qing Yu and her colleagues in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra,” said Joseph Bognar, associate professor and chair of the Department of Music.
Yuan-Qing serves as the president of the board of directors for her chamber ensemble, Civitas. The six musicians of the Civitas Chamber Ensemble will join Valparaiso University this fall as Chamber Ensemble-in-Residence. The ensemble promotes the power of music to work healing and social justice, especially among audiences who may not have regular access to live music.“Given our commitment to service, Civitas’s dedication to music as an agent of social healing is a clear fit with the mission of Valparaiso University,” said Bognar.
The Homecoming Concert will be held at the Chapel of the Resurrection on Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. Tickets for adults are $15 and $10 for seniors and non-Valpo students. Valparaiso students, faculty, and staff are admitted free with an ID card. Civitas will perform a free recital in the Valparaiso University Center of the Arts on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. For more information, call the box office at 464.5162.