Introducing Jiuri Yu, Associate Concertmaster, Symphony NH

NASHUA, NH – Jiuri Yu is a delightful musician and educator who I met at rehearsals for what was only her second performance with Symphony NH. Her level of excitement and her attention to detail was visible throughout the sessions.

Originally from Jilin, China, she earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Boston Conservatory. As an active ensemble musician, Yu regularly performs with the Cape Symphony Orchestra, New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, South Carolina Philharmonic, and several other regional orchestras.  She is a Massachusetts-based performer and educator who we are fortunate to have working here in New Hampshire.

As associate concertmaster, she performs the duties of acting concertmaster, standing in the position Elliot Markow held for 24 years. Markow’s career was celebrated and reported on by us back in June 2024. His dedication to encouraging and mentoring music students is legendary.

Markow continues to perform with Symphony NH, so, imagine the pressure on Yu, right?  Well, there were no visible signs of distress. Not in the slightest as she attended to her various duties during rehearsals.

FLEXIBILITY AND GROWTH

Yu’s role allows flexibility for the orchestra to maintain momentum and growth in the midst of transitions. Her position at Symphony New Hampshire is an important career step for her and for the orchestra. She shared with me, her delight. “Everyone has been so welcoming,” she told me, as I was creating a series of portrait photos and headshots for her professional use.

I watched as she conferred with the music director and then rushed over to each of the first violins to be sure to capture changes in the score notations.

The knowing smiles of her orchestra mates on break in the wings, seeing her activity and her work with me, confirmed that inclusionary, welcoming environment.

There was this one rehearsal where the ticking of a musician’s old-fashioned watch competed with the maestro’s metronome – it wasn’t very audible but to the acute aural awareness of the group, one sideways glance and the watch got tossed into the wings far away from the rehearsing ensemble. This is the level of focus and professionalism each of the musicians bring to the orchestra.

In my own solidarity with expectations and group focus, I no longer bring any camera that makes any sound during image capture. Symphony New Hampshire is an organization that continually enriches and delights all who are touched by its magic.  I know my place and am respectful of all sound emanating from the stage during rehearsal.

LOOKING AHEAD

Ron Kaye, SNH Players Committee chairman, helped develop the succession planning for Markow this past year and for Roger Kalia in the 2026 season. 

 “Usually, a music director would be active in the selection of a concertmaster as they have to work together closely. Collectively, we decided to audition for an associate concertmaster who will act as concertmaster while we search for a music director. When the music director is in place, the associate concertmaster would remain as the acting concertmaster until a concertmaster is selected.”

JIURI YU’S PERFORMANCE

“Jiuri Yu definitely stood out.  She has a great talent for interpretation.”  

Deanna Hoying, Executive Director SNH

How did she do?   Executive Director, Deanna Hoying said of her earlier auditions  “Jiuri Yu definitely stood out.  She has a great talent for interpretation.”  

Her performance at Beethoven’s 3^rd Symphony, (Eroica) was also a creative opportunity to showcase all the talented professionals of SNH. The first half of the concert was an educational tour of historical perspective. We learned where Beethoven both complimented and challenged his peers. The groundbreaking changes Beethoven introduced at the time  (1806) were earth shattering to the staid music environment because it broke with traditional classical expectations. It began the romantic period although today’s modern audience would barely feel the nuanced changes that upset the 19^th Century listener.

Ms. Yu has been quoted as saying, “I am thrilled to accept this position with SNH!  I’m very much looking forward to performing with the amazing musicians and can’t wait to further connect with the wonderful communities in New Hampshire.”

Symphony NH seeks to enrich the quality of life in New Hampshire through high-quality performances of live orchestral music, and by taking a leadership role in the music-education opportunities for citizens of all ages

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES WITH JIURI YU

Hollywood Hits – Stockbridge Theatre, Derry – March 29^th 7:30pm

Hollywood Hits – Capital Center for the Arts, Concord – Sunday March 30^th 3pm

MORE FROM THE MASTERY OF MUSIC SERIES

Jude Morris

Volker Nahrmann

About Symphony New Hampshire

Symphony New Hampshire (Symphony NH) has been the cornerstone of the Granite State’s cultural landscape since 1923. Symphony NH is dedicated to making great music accessible and providing learning opportunities to enrich diverse audiences.

With a century-long tradition of artistic excellence, Symphony NH brings dynamic performances to communities across the state, celebrating both timeless classics and contemporary works. Guided by its mission and a commitment to innovation, Symphony NH also invests in educational outreach and community partnerships, fostering the next generation of music lovers and performers.