About NAYCO
The North America Youth Chinese Orchestra is a 501c3 non- profit organization founded in 2012 by Changlu Wu. Its goal is to promote and enhance the cultural diversity and richness of American society through the dissemination of
traditional Chinese music, training of young musicians, performing for and serving the communities. NAYCO provides music-loving young people professional guidance and the opportunities to showcase their talents in performances and competitions.
The orchestra regularly performs in concerts and cultural events. Our performances include solo, trio, and orchestral arrangements, which combine both Chinese and Western styles of music. We have also performed in schools, libraries, hospitals, and homes for the elderly. The young musicians use their talents to serve the community as well as disseminate the beautiful tradition of Chinese music. They have won numerous awards in local and national competitions including First Prize at the 2015 International Youth Talent Competition in Houston, First Prize at the United States International Music Competition at Stanford University, and the annual Houston Young Artists’ Concert (HYAC). They were invited to perform at the Houston Symphony Day of Music at Jones Hall, Museum of Fine Art Houston, Stanford University and many local cultural events, including the Houston Asian American Festival, the Houston International Festival and the Multi Culture Music Festival. Their “Heritage” Concerts both in May 2014 and May 2018 have received rave reviews.
Interview of NAYCO by KTBU
About Ms. Changlu Wu
Changlu Wu began pipa training at age 6 and entered the Shanghai Conservatory of Music at 9. She won numerous awards during her training and represented China in many diplomatic occasions. She was seen in Isaac Stern’s film From Mao to Mozart, the Oscar’s best documentary in 1980. Upon earning a bachelor’s degree in 1990, she came to the U.S. to study piano at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. Her skills and knowledge in music of the West and East dazzle audiences as she expertly combines the best elements in each. In 2003, she was invited by President George Bush to play at the Bush Library at College Station for the China-U.S. Relations Conference. In 2015, she was invited to perform the pipa concerto with the Houston Symphony in three concerts.
As a teacher, Wu instills in her students the value of hard work and the joy of giving. After graduating from the University of Houston, she established the Changlu Wu School of Music and also teaches pipa, zheng and piano. Through the grace and beauty of her music, she demonstrates to her young students the dignity and splendor of the Chinese culture. She has been a member of the Young Audiences of Houston since 1996 and founded the North America Youth Chinese Orchestra in 2012.
Interview of Ms. Wu by China Daily
Interview of Ms. Wu by JSBC International TV