Congratulations to Bridget Yun, the 2022-23 Young Peoples Orchestra Concerto Competition winner! Bridget will perform “Polonaise de concert” by David Popper at TRYPO’s spring concert on Saturday, May 7, 2023, at Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland. We also wish to congratulate all of our musicians who competed! Keep reading to learn more about Bridget and the competition experience:
Q: How long have you studied the cello?
I picked up the cello when I was three years old (although I spent the first two years learning how to read notes), so I am coming up on thirteen years.
Q: Why did you choose the cello?
My sister used to play the cello, and as a toddler, I loved to sit in her lessons. Everything about the instrument— its size, shape, and tones— captured me, and I begged my parents to let me get lessons.
Q: Who is your cello teacher?
I have been studying the cello with Katya Janpoladyan for two years. I have also worked with David Premo, Bill Meyer, Beth Kiser, and Grace Bartel in the past.
Q: Where do you go to school?
I am a junior at Fox Chapel Area High School.
Q: How long have you been a TRYPO member?
I have been a part of TRYPO for three years. I joined TRYPO’s Youth Chamber Connection program in my freshman year and auditioned to join Young People Orchestra for the following year.
Q: What is the highlight of your time as a TRYPO member?
When I think of TRYPO, the biggest thing that comes to mind is the variety of pieces we play. From symphonies to film scores to contemporary pieces, having the opportunity to explore and enjoy various genres of music makes rehearsals and concert cycles so enjoyable. Some of my favorite moments in TRYPO are experiencing the childish nostalgia while playing “Flight to Neverland” from Hook or playing through the palpable excitement that was always present at the end of “Capriccio Espagnol.”
Q: How did you prepare for the Concerto Competition?
I started working on “Polonaise de concert” last March for my school’s annual Jeffrey Dean Recital. I have continued working on it since.
Q: What did you learn from the experience?
While technique is definitely important, it’s also important that you know your style and why you enjoy playing. That way, you can incorporate your personal touch into the piece and make it yours.
Q: Do you have a favorite moment in “Polonaise de concert”?
I love the beginning of the piece! “Polonaise de concert” is a showpiece, and the beautiful melody followed by the fiery cadenza really helps me set the tone and puts me in the right mindset.
Q: What are your plans for the immediate future?
I would like to pass my upcoming AP exams and start preparing for college applications, starting with writing my college essays.
. . .
Bridget Yun first picked up a ⅛ cello when she was three years old. Ever since then, she fell in love with the instrument and its sound. Bridget particularly enjoys ensemble playing and has played in various youth orchestras since she was six years old, including Dream Chamber Orchestra (Seoul), Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras, Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras, and Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Currently, she plays in Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras in YPO and with her chamber group in Youth Chamber Connection. Bridget also enjoys playing for her school and participates in her school orchestra, pit orchestra, cello choir, and Ambassador Chamber program. Bridget has also participated in numerous summer intensive programs, which include Foster Music Camp, Philadelphia International Music Festival, and most recently, Carnegie Mellon University’s Pre-College Music Program.
Aside from playing the cello, Bridget spends her time studying, rowing, and occasionally trying songs on the flute and piano. She hopes to major in neuroscience and minor in music performance after she graduates in 2024.