Maurice Neuman, age 17, is a junior in high school at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. A native Chicagoan, Maurice began studying cello at age 3 and piano at age 4. He currently is a student of Hans Jensen, professor of cello at Northwestern University. He previously studied with Stephen Balderston and Paula Kosower.
Maurice was 1st prize winner of the 2023 Gershwin International Music Competition, winner of the 2023 Lakeview Orchestra Young Artist Competition, the 2023 Paul Vermel Young Artist Competition, and a winner of the 2023 DePaul Concerto Festival. In September 2022, Maurice won the position of co-principal cello of the top orchestra at the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras. He was also appointed principal cello of the 2023 ILMEA District 1 and All-State Honors Orchestras.
Maurice earned Honorable Mention at the 2023 Walgreens National Concerto Competition, the 2023 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Crain-Maling Foundation Young Artists Competition, and the 2023 Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra SO Concerto Competition.
Active as a chamber musician year-round, Maurice has attended Greenwood Music Camp in western Massachusetts for the past 5 years and plans to return in 2023. He also has performed with the FilAm Music Foundation, Chicago Sinai Foundation, and Chicago Loop Synagogue. In school, he plays in various chamber ensembles as well.
You can find Maurice’s 2023 19th Century Music Competition cello performance here.