The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association has announced Arrow Crist and Christopher Tu, both of Quincy, as winners of the esteemed Martha McCrory Young Artists Competition.
Open to area students in grades 10 through 12, the contest was held on Dec. 13, 2025, at First Union Congregational Church in Quincy. Crist performed the first movement of Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2, and Tu performed the first movement of Haydn’s Oboe Concerto in C. The students, both juniors at Quincy Senior High School, will each receive a cash prize and perform as soloists during the Quincy Symphony Orchestra’s Heroic Vision concert at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7.
Arrow Christ
Arrow Crist is the son of Mick and Cindy Crist. He enjoys many styles of music—Christian, jazz, and classical—both listening to and performing them. He has studied piano with Mary Shelor since the age of five, and music has been a significant part of his life since childhood. Growing up, he enjoyed playing songs by ear and composing his own music. A QSO concert in April 2023 inspired him to focus his compositional efforts on the classical genre. In the two and a half years since, he has composed, in the late Romantic style, a forty-minute symphony for orchestra, a concerto for trumpet and orchestra, several chamber works, and a ten-movement unaccompanied choral setting of Habakkuk, Chapter III, in Latin. Crist enjoys spending time in his relationship with the Lord and with his friends. While he is unsure exactly what the future holds, he knows music will remain an important part of his life. He can often be found walking the streets of Quincy, another of his favorite pastimes.
Christopher Tu
Christopher Tu is the son of Sidan Wang and Haifeng Tu. Influenced by his grandfather, a professional violin teacher, music has always played an instrumental role in his life. He began studying violin at age four, and later took up the oboe at age 10. He currently studies oboe with Paul Chinen. Much of Tu’s enjoyment in musical performance comes from emotionally connecting with others. He also values the collaborative nature of music and has participated in the Quincy Area Youth Orchestra. Beyond music, Tu is actively involved in the Quincy Senior High School soccer team, Student Council, Beta Club, and the National Honor Society. He has a strong interest in kinesiology and psychology and plans to pursue these fields in college. His goals include becoming the best version of himself, enjoying life with family and friends, and pursuing his dreams along the way.
Now in its 71st year, the Martha McCrory Young Artists Competition exists to provide outstanding high school musicians with the opportunity to perform as concert soloists accompanied by a symphony orchestra. “For generations, the Young Artists Competition has spotlighted exceptional high school musicians, honoring their dedication, discipline, and artistry. This enduring tradition shapes young performers’ personal growth and deepens their connection to the arts,” said QSOA Executive Director Jane Polett.
For more information about the Feb. 7 performance and the competition, call the symphony office at 217-222-2856 or visit qsoa.org.
