14-year-old violinist Natalie Xu delivers a dazzling performance of Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Minor, Op. 37 by Henri Vieuxtemps. Performing with the Orange Country Orchestra, Natalie commands a virtuosic showcase of skill. Warning: you may find yourself giving a standing ovation in your living room!
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Tustin, California Natalie performs on Show 487.
Natalie Xu (violin), 15, from Tustin, California, is a sophomore at the Orange County School of the Arts. She currently studies with Yuki Mori and Min Jung Park, both former students of Jascha Heifetz. Natalie began playing the violin at the age of seven and made her orchestral solo debut at eleven with the Orchestra Collective of Orange County. Most recently, she earned Third Prize at the National Finals of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) String Competition.
Natalie has received numerous top awards in prestigious competitions, including first place at the MTNA Southwest Division Finals and California State Finals, Young Stars of the Future Concerto Competition, Opus Music Competition National Final, Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) VOCE State Finals, and the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) California State Finals.
In 2026, Natalie was selected for Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra 2 (NYO2), where she had the honor of serving as concertmaster. As a soloist, she has performed with several orchestras, including the Redlands Symphony Orchestra, South Coast Symphony, Bellflower Symphony, Orchestra Collective of Orange County, and Southern California Philharmonic. Natalie is also an avid member of the Colburn Honors Chamber Music Program and Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Since 2024, Natalie has been featured on NPR’s From the Top through its Daily Joy program. She is also dedicated to community outreach, regularly performing at senior centers, hospitals, and other community venues, sharing the joy of music and connecting with audiences from diverse backgrounds.
Music has the unique ability to bring joy to our lives – especially in the hands of young people. Daily Joy is a reminder of music’s power to uplift, inspire, and unite.
Daily Joy is a project of From the Top. It began in the very early days of the Covid-19 pandemic and continues today to offer a much-needed respite from the anxiety and worry that we encounter in the world.
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From the Top is grateful to the Richard K. Lubin Family Foundation for their generous support of Daily Joy.
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Please note: Daily Joy is a project of From the Top. As of July 1, 2026, From the Top has merged with KERA, North Texas Public Broadcasting, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your gift receipt will come from membership@kera.org.
Daily Joy is a program of From the Top, an independent non-profit organization that relies on support from individuals. Your support will help ensure From the Top's work of celebrating the joy, talents, and stories of extraordinary young musicians.