Lu Yu: Center Stage

Boston | Juventas New Music Ensemble announces an exciting evening of music spotlighting the artistry of celebrated violist and Juventas core musician Lu Yu. This virtuosic solo program features a program curated by the artist herself, made up of works that highlight the nuance and range of the viola. The program will be performed March 14, 8pm at the Multicultural Arts Center in Cambridge and March 15, 4pm at First Parish Sudbury.

A master of her craft, Lu Yu has been a core member of Juventas since 2020. In addition to her work with Juventas, she has performed with Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Boston Civic Symphony, and Missouri Symphony to name a few. She was also the founding violist of Loki String Quartet which is in residence at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She holds degrees from Royal Academy of Music in London and New England Conservatory.

Lu is a pioneer in the field of new music, approaching each performance with exquisite musicianship and emotional depth. This program allows her artistic voice, as well as the viola itself – an instrument not often featured – to shine.

“Every single piece on this program is new to me … [and] each piece explores the viola in a completely different way,” says Lu. “One of the things I love most about this program is that every piece was written by a living composer. I love how new music pushes instruments beyond traditional roles. Each of these composers has such a deep understanding of the viola and there is a shared sense of color and emotional depth that ties the entire program together.”

Nicholas Southwick (flute), Celine Ferro (clarinet), and Angelina Savoia (harp) will join Lu Yu for select pieces. The program features pieces by Joan Tower, Atar Arad, Gabriela Lena Frank, Jenni Brandon, and Philip White.

As part of Juventas’s work to increase accessibility, the March 14 performance will also be live-streamed on YouTube, free of charge. Tickets to the in-person concert are $15-36, with a $1 Music for All option, available to anyone who can’t afford Juventas’s regular prices for any reason. For tickets and more information visit juventasmusic.org/lu-yu-center-stage.