Local Young Violinist in Prestigious Master Class

Katie Liu has spent the pandemic practicing, perfecting and preparing for her coveted spot in The Philadelphia International Music Festival’s new PIMFOnline.org Master Class taught by Dara Morales, Assistant Principal Second Violin of The Philadelphia Orchestra, on March 25, 2021.

“We’ve been seeing some very high-caliber young musical talent submitting extraordinary auditions,” says PIMF President Sandy Marcucci. “We’re delighted by the enthusiasm and so heartened to see how young musicians are pursuing their musical passion with a will to learn and improve in spite of so much disruption.”

Katie, a 13-year-old 8th grader at Stoller Middle School in the Beaverton School District, is a very accomplished musician already: she was a 2020 winner in the Oregon Mozart Players Young Soloist Competition; at the Trula Whelan Concerto Competition in 2018 and 2019, she was winner for both violin and piano.

Katie is a member of the Portland Youth Philharmonic and studies violin with Hae Jin Kim.

Like so many musicians of any age, Katie is looking forward to performing again, even if the audience is on the other side of a screen.

“Since the pandemic, I haven't had a chance to play with my orchestra or perform on stage,” she said. “I hope to demonstrate my passion and convey emotion through my music. I also hope to gain experience from this masterclass, and learn to improve my playing with Ms. Morales.”

Katie will play the First Movement of Camille Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto No. 3 in B minor, Op 61 for Ms. Morales and a worldwide online audience at the interactive master class, after which she will receive analysis and constructive criticism from the internationally-renowned violinist, along with supportive running commentary from viewers in real time.

The work is a showcase for violinists’ technical prowess, and one of Katie’s favorite concertos to play: “The more I play this piece, the more I feel connected to this beautiful concerto. I hope the audience will enjoy this piece as much as I do.”

PIMF launched PIMFOnline.org to fill the void for social distancing music students with programs including individual and group lessons and free online practice rooms. The popular Master Class Series draws not only music students, but music teachers and music lovers missing the concert hall. Tickets are complimentary for students and educators, as well as members of The Philadelphia Orchestra community.

Upcoming Master Classes include April 29th with Nathaniel West, Acting Assistant Principal Bass of The Philadelphia Orchestra, May 13th with Boris Allakhverdyan, Principal Clarinet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and May 20th with Juliette Kang, First Associate Concertmaster of The Philadelphia Orchestra.

“More and more, we’re finding that there’s a real hunger for that connection to live classical music performance that we’ve had to put on hold this last year,” Ms. Marcucci adds, “along with a growing interest in improving musical skills and even just learning something new. Not to mention, we’re showcasing the classical music superstars of tomorrow! Our Master Class series hits all the right notes for so many music lovers, and we’re delighted to make them widely accessible.”