Brothers junior Aaron Wu and sophomore Anthony Wu are violinists in the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (BPYO), a prestigious orchestra for talented musicians who are passionate about playing music. This orchestra has opened up many opportunities for both musicians.
Each brother started playing the violin at age four, and they have worked hard to advance their skills throughout their lives. Both Aaron and Anthony have had different forms of success as musicians and support each other and celebrate each other’s accomplishments. Both completed a strenuous audition process that came along with getting accepted into the BPYO.
“The reason why it’s so prestigious and why it’s so sought after to get in is because the conductor only chooses players who have a real passion for playing music,” Anthony Wu said.
The brothers both appreciate how being involved in the Youth Symphony Orchestra has enhanced their skills, teaching them new ways of not only playing but also thinking.
“[The] BPYO has taught me how to put musicality into my music, so music isn’t just notes; it can also have meaning and emotions,” Anthony Wu said. “[The orchestra] teaches us how we can incorporate our own style, our own emotions into our music.”
The prestigious orchestra has allowed Aaron and Anthony to perform in places that are special to them. A highlight for Aaron Wu was a trip to Europe last summer where he was able to perform in world-famous music halls, including five in Germany. One of his favorite venues was the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg.
“[We performed at] Divorac Hall in Prague, which is one of the most prestigious halls in the world, then Hamburg,” Aaron Wu said. “[The] fourth concert was in The Musikverein, also known as the Golden Hall, where Mahler had premiered his Fifth Symphony, which is probably the most respected hall in the world.”
Anthony Wu’s favorite experience was closer to home.
“Last year, I went to New York and I got to play in one of the most amazing halls: Gore Hall,” Anthony Wu said.
The brothers’ involvement in the Youth Symphony Orchestra has opened up doors and special opportunities.
“On tour, we had this absolutely beautiful concert in Hamburg, Germany, and we went on tour to four countries, five cities,” Aaron Wu said. “[The concert hall in] Hamburg was one of the big ones.”
After years of playing the violin, the brothers are each considering if their interests and talents will lead to a profession.
“No matter what happens, I want to continue playing in some sort of symphony orchestra,” Aaron Wu said. “I don’t care if I get paid or not. I just want to have the experience of playing with people again.”
