Even at 16 years old, violinist Yuqing Li has already had a long musical journey.
She started playing the instrument at 4 years old in China. Then, as soon as the COVID-19 lockdown ended, her family moved from Wuhan, China. In 2022, Li received a full scholarship to attend the Manhattan School of Music’s pre-college program.
But Li’s latest stop was Golden for two special performances.
Li was the 2025 winner of the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra Young Artists’ Competition. She won $5,000 for her “breathtaking performance of ‘Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto,'” according to JSO.
To celebrate her win, Li performed a special solo recital on March 28 at the Jefferson Unitarian Church, playing a selection of Bach, Grieg, Bloch, Prokofiev, and Sarasate. Admission was free for those under 18 and JSO season-ticket subscribers.
Li then performed with the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra at its March 30 concert, sharing her award-winning rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto” alongside the symphony’s performance of its favorite overture — which it voted on earlier in the season — and Brahms’ “Symphony No. 2.”
JSO is closing out its 72nd season with a special performance of the “Star Wars” franchise soundtrack.
Attendees are encouraged to wear “Star Wars”-themed costumes at either the 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. performances May 18 at Colorado School of Mines’ Green Center. For more information, visit jeffsymphony.org.
Click through additional photos from Li’s March 28 solo recital:
At center, 16-year-old violinist Yuqing Li gives performs March 28 at the Jefferson Unitarian Church. Li won this year’s Jefferson Symphony Orchestra Young Artists’ Competition. Credit: Sara Hertwig 
Yuqing Li, a 16-year-old violinist, gives a special solo recital March 28 at the Jefferson Unitarian Church. Li has been playing the violin since she was 4 years old and is currently studying music in New York City. Credit: Sara Hertwig 
At left, 16-year-old Yuqing Li performs with collaborative pianist Forrest Howell March 28 at the Jefferson Unitarian Church. Li has been playing the violin since she was 4 years old and is currently studying music in New York City. Credit: Sara Hertwig 
Yuqing Li’s mother, Linda, records videos on her phone as her daughter plays a recital for the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra. Credit: Sara Hertwig 
Yuqing Li, who has been playing violin since she was four years old, performs at her first of two events for the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra at the Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden. Credit: Sara Hertwig 
Yuqing Li, a 16-year-old violinist, gives a special solo recital March 28 at the Jefferson Unitarian Church. Li also performed at the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Young Artist’s Concert March 30 on the Colorado School of Mines campus. Credit: Sara Hertwig 
Violinist Yuqing Li, 16, performs with collaborative pianist Forrest Howell at the Jefferson Unitarian Church. Credit: Sara Hertwig 
Violinist Yuqing Li, 16, and collaborative pianist Forrest Howell stand for applause at the end of their March 28 recital at the Jefferson Unitarian Church. Li gave a special solo recital after winning the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra Young Artists’ Competition. Credit: Sara Hertwig 
Yuqing Li’s mother, Linda, moved her and Yuqing out of Wuhan, China as soon as the COVID-19 lockdown ended. Her daughter has since been attending the Manhattan School of Music in New York City on a scholarship. Credit: Sara Hertwig 
Yuqing Li talks with people following her solo recital for the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra Friday, March 28. Credit: Sara Hertwig 
Violinist Yuqing Li, 16, prepares for a special solo recital March 28 at the Jefferson Unitarian Church. Li won this year’s Jefferson Symphony Orchestra Young Artists’ Competition. Credit: Sara Hertwig 
Violinist Yuqing Li, 16, prepares for a special solo recital March 28 at the Jefferson Unitarian Church. Li won this year’s Jefferson Symphony Orchestra Young Artists’ Competition. Credit: Sara Hertwig