OTTAWA—What a night. The National Arts Centre Orchestra’s annual fundraising gala on Saturday was a sell out and the lineup was superb: the NAC Orchestra, YoYo Ma, Avan Yu, and—wait for it—Prime Minister Stephen Harper and friends.

Twenty-[two] year old Avan Yu, a graduate of the NAC’s youth program which he entered four years ago, played Chopin’s Andante spianato and Grand Polonaise with astounding dexterity and grace for such a young performer.

His flawless debut with the NAC Orchestra was met with a standing ovation.

Ma and Yu then played [Introduction and Polonaise brillante] in which Ma was gracious enough to give the younger artist the spotlight, as he assumed the role of accompanist with lots of flair...