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.