Sinfonietta Nova presents a family concert on Saturday, February 1, featuring Eric Coates’ “Three Bear Phantasy” and Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf.” WWFM radio personality Bliss Michelson will narrate “Peter and the Wolf.”
The orchestra will be showcasing the talents of the winners of its annual Youth Concerto competition, including first runner up Jeffrey Kuan, a senior at High School South.
Kuan started his violin studies with Paul Manulik at the age of four. His current teacher is Nancy Wilson. He has attended master classes with Todd Philips and Cho-Liang Lin at the JCC Thurnauer School of Music and a master class with David Kim at Princeton University.
Kuan has participated in the Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey and Temple University’s Music Preparatory Program. Last year he became concertmaster of Mannes Prep’s Philharmonic Orchestra in New York City, and he continues to hold this position.
Kuan has been recognized at competitions run by the New Jersey Music Teachers Association (NJMTA) and the Mannes Preparatory Division. His other interests include math, science, Spanish, Broadway shows, drawing, and playing the guitar.
Michelle Xu of West Windsor designed the artwork for the poster used to promote the concert. Xu, 16, is a student at High School North.
Gail Lee of West Windsor founded the West Windsor-based orchestra in 2008 to bring live classical music to Central New Jersey. This is her fifth season as artistic director and conductor. Lee presents audience favorites as well as lesser known musical gems, new works, and educational elements.
Concert, Sinfonietta Nova, Prince of Peace Church, 177 Princeton-Hightstown Road, West Windsor. Saturday, February 1, 7:30 p.m. $13. 609-462-4984. www.sinfoniettanova.org.
