Xiang Yu wins Menuhin Competition on April 24, 2010 Atlantic Symphony assistant concertmaster overcomes odds to win in Olso
Some of you might have noticed that Massenet’s “Meditation” from Thais, the haunting work for violin soloist, suddenly disappeared from the season finale Pops program. That’s because our soloist, assistant concertmaster Xiang Yu, was in Oslo, Norway that weekend, competing in the prestigious Menuhin Competition for Young Violinists.
And winning it.
After 3 rounds of competition, Xiang Yu won First Prize Senior, the Bach Prize, and the Audience Prize. He also had to compete against the Icelandic volcano: it erupted on the day that he flew into in Reykjavík on his way to Norway. As Xiang said, he considered it a win just to get to the competition in time.
For the complete (and truly amazing) story, listen to this delightful interview with The World’s Marco Werman on NPR. Click here for audio.
A tribute to Xiang Yu, whom is friends call Angelo, appeared in the May 6 Hingham Journal, talking about the inspiration that his mother provided. The article was written by ASO board member Roy Harris. Click here to read the story.
Congratulations to Xiang on this spectacular success!
Nina Wellford
NINA WELLFORD TO STEP DOWN AS MANAGING DIRECTOR IN JUNE, 2010
Read
the following letter from Nina Wellford, announcing her retirement
after 12 years as Managing Director of Atlantic Symphony Orchestra:
March 26, 2010
Dear Friends of Atlantic Symphony Orchestra,
I'd
like to let all of you know that I have decided to step down as
Managing Director of Atlantic Symphony Orchestra at the end of this
season.
I've held this position for 12 years, since the year
after Jin Kim arrived as Music Director, back when we were making the
transition from an all volunteer community orchestra in the earliest
days of Hingham Symphony. Many of you have traveled those years with
me, and others have joined in along the way, as we've grown into the
outstanding regional orchestra that we are today. One of my proudest
achievements was managing a successful name-change process four years
ago: we maintained our identity as an intimate orchestra that exists to
serve our community, yet claimed a name that expresses the depth,
timelessness and quality of what we do - Atlantic.
Over the
years, I have always loved being Managing Director of this
organization. It's challenging work, yet unbelievably rewarding. The
best memories and annual high points are too numerous for this letter,
but I was fortunate to experience them with you - our musicians,
volunteers, boards, supporters and audience. Most of all, I will never
forget the feeling of standing in the back of the hall once the concert
begins, and listening to the music unfold. It's a special view from
back there, one that I am privileged to have had.
I believe
that the orchestra is ready for someone new to take up the challenge.
We are strong in many key ways, and yet there is much to do. I'm
looking forward to being an audience member, a donor, and an advocate
for this wonderful organization in the community. In other words, I'll
join YOU.
As we finish the season, please help me leave
Atlantic Symphony in tip-top shape for the next managing director and
the team of board members and volunteers who will continue this good
work.
I thank you and I thank the orchestra for all of the
support you have given me over these years. You have helped make life
wonderful.
With deep gratitude,
Nina S. Wellford
Atlantic Symphony Orchestra · 408 Washington St., Weymouth, MA 02188 · 781-331-3600 · info@atlanticsymphony.org
