Timothy Shi Wins New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra's Henry Lewis Concerto Competition

Violinist Timothy Shi has won the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra's 2022 Henry Lewis Concerto Competition. Shi will join the New Jersey Symphony to perform the first movement of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major, K. 216, at the Symphony's outdoor summer concerts, June 24-July 2 in venues across the state.

Shi is a violinist in the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra's Academy Orchestra-the most advanced of the program's ensembles-and a first-year student at Millburn High School. He started learning the violin in Ohio at age 5 under Callista Koh's instruction and has studied with UT Dallas professor Phillip Lewis and New York Philharmonic violinist Duoming Ba. Passionate about soloing, Shi has soloed at the Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center, and he has been concertmaster of Sinfonia and Philharmonia at the New Jersey Youth Symphony.

Judged by New Jersey Symphony musicians, the youth orchestra's annual concerto competition is named for former Symphony Music Director Henry Lewis, who became the first Black music director of a major American orchestra when he assumed leadership of the New Jersey Symphony (1968-76).

Shi says: "The Henry Lewis Concerto Competition is named after Henry Lewis, a Black American conductor who broke racial barriers in the musical world. Winning this competition is a confirmation of the effort I have put into playing the violin and has motivated me to continue my journey in music. I have attended the Youth Orchestra for three years and have worked with its conductors, coaches and peers in the orchestra, all of whom are talented, passionate and caring. The time I have spent with them is very meaningful to me; I am honored to represent our youth orchestra program. The New Jersey Symphony is the most prestigious professional symphony orchestra in New Jersey and one of the best symphony orchestras in the nation. As a high-school freshman performing with such a renowned orchestra for the first time, I am excited to glean insights and share experiences that will prove essential to my growth as a musician."

Shi loves to learn romantic solo works; among these, he particularly likes Sibelius' and Tchaikovsky's Violin Concertos, Sarasate's Carmen Fantasy and Saint-Saëns' Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso. He also swims competitively, having placed 12th in the 400 Individual Medley and 20th nationally in the 1000-yard freestyle.

The New Jersey Symphony's free outdoor concerts take place on June 24 at 7:30 pm at Branch Brook Park in Newark, June 28 at 8 pm at Ocean County College in Toms River and July 2 at 7:30 pm at Metuchen Town Plaza in Metuchen. The Symphony also performs at the Giralda Music and Arts Festival in Madison on June 26 at 6 pm. José Luis Domínguez-frequent Symphony conductor and New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra artistic director-conducts.

All New Jersey Symphony performances follow safety measures in partnership with the venues and based on the guidance provided by the CDC and the State of New Jersey.

For more information on free summer concerts and tickets for the Giralda Music and Arts Festival, visit njsymphony.org/summer.

Summer Concerts

Friday, June 24, at 7:30 pm | Branch Brook Park in Newark (Free Concert)

Sunday, June 26, at 6 pm | Giralda Farms in Madison

Tuesday, June 28, at 8 pm | Ocean County College in Toms River (Free Concert)

Saturday, July 2, at 7:30 pm | Metuchen Town Plaza in Metuchen (Free Concert)

José Luis Domínguez conductor

Timothy Shi violin

New Jersey Symphony

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