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 freshman attending 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 (2025).
Natalie has received numerous top awards in prestigious competitions, including first place at the MTNA Southwest Division Finals and California State Finals (2025), Young Stars of the Future (2024), Opus Music Competition National Finals (2024), Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) VOCE State Finals (2023), and the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) California State Finals (2022).
As a soloist, Natalie has performed with several orchestras, including the South Coast Symphony, Bellflower Symphony, Orchestra Collective of Orange County, and the Southern California Philharmonic. Natalie also enjoys playing chamber music and is an active member of the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Since 2024, Natalie has been featured on NPR’s From the Top as a part of its Daily Joy disability program. She is actively engaged in community outreach, regularly performing at senior centers, using music to inspire, connect, and uplift diverse audiences.
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.
From the Top is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the stories and artistry of young musicians through media and leadership programs. Learn more.
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.