Press Release

February 23, 2014
Newtown, PA


Newtown Chamber Orchestra announces the 2014 Young Musicians Competition winner, Sophia Yoo, violin. Ms. Yoo auditioned with a masterfully played Zigeuner weisen by Pablo de Sarasate. As the winner of competition, Ms. Yoo will be the featured soloist in the Newtown Chamber Orchestra’s third concert of the season, “A Night at the Opera & More!” On Sunday, March 30, 2014, at 7 PM at the Lutheran Church of God’s Love, 791 Newtown-Yardley Road, in Newtown.

Ms. Yoo is a fifteen year old, homeschooled student. She has been studying violin since age four and piano and harp for eight and five years respectively. In 2010, she won first prize in the junior harp division of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Harp Society and in 2011 was awarded a scholarship from a Korean youth orchestra in Washington, D.C. Ms. Yoo is an Advanced Study Scholarship recipient as a member of the Newman Quartet and in 2013 she received prizes in the Tri-County Youth Festival as well as the Bucks County Youth Competition.

The ten other students who auditioned were: Sejung An, Cello; Grace Chu, Viola; Emily Day, Bassoon; Marie Louise James, Oboe; Cheyenne King-Bails, Violin; Hae-In Seong, Cello; Benjamin She, Violin; Noah Smith, Double Bass; May Wang, Violin.

With the Young Musicians Competition, the Newtown Chamber Orchestra continues its tradition of community outreach and education for high school students. For twenty three seasons, the area’s most talented young people grades 9-12 have auditioned for the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the orchestra at a concert. Qualified high school students who study strings, woodwinds, brass or piano are encouraged to audition for this unique opportunity. Additional information, application, and repertoire can be found at the NCO website listed below.

All Newtown Chamber Orchestra concerts are conducted by Russell W. Hoffmann, Music Director and Conductor. Mr. Hoffmann is the founding Music Director of the Newtown Chamber Orchestra and has a wide diversified musical background.

The Newtown Chamber Orchestra is a non-profit organization proudly contributing to the rich cultural tradition of Bucks County. Individual concert tickets are: Adults $25; Seniors $20; Students and Children are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance through our website (address below). There will be open seating, and complimentary refreshments are served at all concerts.

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