Members of New York Philharmonic to Perform at Central College

Free public concert features virtuosic piano quartet from renowned orchestra

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Members of the New York Philharmonic, including the associate principal violist, pianist, cellist, and violinist, will perform a free public concert at Central College in Pella, Iowa on March 31. The interactive and instructive classical music performance is part of the Front Row with Harry Smith speaker series, sponsored by Pella Corporation and Central College.

Why it matters

This concert represents a rare opportunity for the Pella community to experience world-class classical musicians from one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world. It also highlights Central College's commitment to bringing high-caliber cultural events to its students and the broader region.

The details

The piano quartet will perform pieces from various composers, played in different configurations - solo, duet, trio, and all four musicians together. Prior to the concert, the musicians will also conduct a participatory session at Pella Community Schools, working with students and the district's orchestra director.

  • The concert will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 7 p.m.
  • Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

The players

Rebecca Young

Associate principal violist for the New York Philharmonic, Juilliard School of Music graduate.

Eric Huebner

Holds the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Piano Chair with the New York Philharmonic since 2012, will perform on Central's Fazioli grand piano.

Ru-Pei Yeh

Cellist who joined the New York Philharmonic in 2006, has been playing professionally since age 10, native of Taiwan and graduate of the New England Conservatory.

Alina Ming Kobialka

Renowned violinist who joined the New York Philharmonic in 2022, graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music with a master's in violin performance.

Harry Smith

1973 Central College graduate and trustee, will emcee the concert.

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What they’re saying

“This virtuosic ensemble of violin, viola, cello and piano will perform pieces from various composers, played in different configurations- solo, duet, trios and all four musicians together. It's a classical music sampler that will be powerful, irresistibly beautiful and masterfully performed.”

— Harry Smith, 1973 Central College graduate and trustee (kniakrls.com)

What’s next

Prior to the concert, the musicians will conduct a participatory session at Pella Community Schools working with students and the district's orchestra director, Charlee Gililland Eekhoff, a 1999 Central College alumna.

The takeaway

This concert showcases Central College's commitment to bringing world-class cultural experiences to its students and the broader Pella community, further solidifying its reputation as a hub for the arts in the region.