About AJ

Alexander Naren Joe (“A.J.”) is a double bassist who has been making waves in the music scene since his selection to participate in the NSO Youth Fellowship while finishing 8th grade in 2022. A.J. began his musical studies on the piano at eight years old, and played cello briefly before picking up the bass at age eleven. Since 2019, he has been a student of NSO Bassist Paul DeNola, and has performed in a number of ensembles throughout the Mid-Atlantic area, including the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras, The Northern Virginia Regional Orchestra, and the All-Virginia Orchestra. A.J has played in workshops and masterclasses with notable artists such as Robert Oppelt (National Symphony Orchestra), Caroline Emery (Royal College of Music, Yehudi Menuhin School), Andrés Martín (Composer), and Dr. Sam Suggs (James Madison University, Composer), amongst others. In summers 2023 and 2024, A.J. was invited to participate in the NSO Summer Music Institute (SMI). A.J. has performed at many notable venues, including The John F. Kennedy Center, The Kimmel Cultural Campus, The Anthem, and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, In addition to performing, A.J. is a co-director of the Virginia Branch of Rhythmic Hearts, a national organization that brings classical music to senior residence centers. A.J. is a passionate musician and citizen artist who believes the arts can change the world. He enjoys mentoring elementary and middle school students and teaching them that classical music is cool. He is a student at Yorktown High School in Arlington, Virginia, and aspires to play classical music at the professional level so he can bring joy to others by doing what he enjoys.