Several highly qualified contenders participated in the Annual YOBC Concerto Competition. Three students were selected as soloists. Congratulations to Eva Houlton, Lea Rubenstein, and Rena Xu.
Spring Concert 2023
Symphony Orchestra
Eva Houlton (Cello)
Cello Concerto No. 1, Op. 33,
mvmts. 1 and 2
by Camille Saint-Saëns
Cellist Eva Houlton (they/them) has been praised for their expressivity and maturity throughout their music career. As a senior at New Hope- Solebury High School, they have sat Principal of the school’s orchestra for two years. Eva has previously been Principal cellist in the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County, as well as Assistant Principal in the Bucks County Symphony Orchestra. Along with playing in orchestras, Eva has participated in master classes and clinics, and has performed at venues across the Northeast including Carnegie Hall. Eva is currently studying under Noelle Grand and has previously taken lessons from members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. In years past, Eva has participated in the Bucks County Music Educators’ Association and Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association festivals. Alongside their performances, Eva teaches young musicians and greatly values their growth and progress in their musical careers.
Fall Concert 2022
Symphony Orchestra
Lea Rubenstein (Violin)
Violin Concerto in G minor, op. 12 no. 1, mvmts. 2 and 3
by Antonio Vivaldi
Lea Rubenstein is a senior at Perkiomen Valley High School. She began playing the violin in third grade and has been studying privately with Hannah Richards since seventh grade. She joined YOBC in 2018 where she has since progressed through Philharmonia to the Symphony Orchestra. Lea takes part in a variety of other ensembles including the Perkiomen Valley High School Select Strings and Symphony Orchestra, the Audubon Symphony Orchestra, the Montgomery County Chorale and Orchestra, and has also been chosen to participate in the Montgomery County Honors String Orchestra for three years. In addition to performing, Lea loves bowling, theatre, volunteering, and spending time outdoors. She plans to major in music education and have her own orchestra under the control of her baton someday.
Fall Concert 2022
Symphony Orchestra
Rena Xu (Flute)
Concerto for Flute in D
by Luigi Boccherini
Rena Xu is a junior at New Hope-Solebury High School. She started playing flute for her school’s band in third grade and began taking lessons in sixth grade, and her teachers include Michelle Cosgrove and Dr. Caryn Block. Over the years, Rena has participated in various musical events, including the Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia’s Youth Artist competition and BCMEA festivals. Outside of formal events, Rena also does volunteer work for Cosgrove Music Studio and YOBC.