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More than 70 of the best professionals musicians across the State of Michigan join together to provide the Great Lakes Bay Region with symphonic music featuring renowned guest artists, family programs and special events since 1936. 

Past guest performers include Itzhak Perlman, Sarah Chang, Dave Brubeck, Sharon Isbin, Edgar Meyer, Measha Brueggergosman, Time for Three, the Grand Rapids Ballet Company, and many more who have contributed to the unique and challenging repertoire which defines the MSO.

Bohuslav Rattay

Music Director

Bohuslav Rattay


Czech conductor and Music Director Bohuslav Rattay continues to bring a new style and flare to the podium, taking your classical music experience outside of the box. An enthusiastic promoter for classical music, Mr. Rattay strives to bring traditional and innovative programs together in a manner that’s exciting and fresh for his audience.

Bohuslav divides his time between the United States and Europe, always continuing his quest to find new ways to bring great music into the lives of people on both continents.

Meet the Musicians

Violin I

Takeshi Abo**, Concertmaster
The Thomas and Vera Griswold Chair
Karel Abo**, Assoc. Concertmaster
The Gladys I. Lake Chair
Francesca Azzollini
Melissa Everett**
Wei Jai
Anna Tsukervanik
Yu Xin

Violin II

Heather DeGroot**, Principal II
Sponsored by Sarah Dergazarian
Oleg Bezuglov, Asst. Principal
Elaine Hunyadi***
Geunyoung Kim
Susan Mercy
Liang Wang
Hsin-Ju Yu

 

Viola

Open Position, Principal
Sponsored by Ken & Gina Pederson
Jessica Zelinski**, Acting Asst. Principal
Dilek Engin*
Howard Jones
Gabriela Saraí Aboites Nuñez

 

Cello

Cathy White***, Principal
The Phoebe Barstow Chair
Christopher Landis**, Asst. Principal
The Phoebe Barstow Chair
Sara Moore*
Minji Shin
Greg Stawick**

Bass

Jonathan Hammonds, Principal
The Ruth D. Stenger Chair
David Angelotti***, Asst. Principal
Susan McRae***
William Poulos*
Joy Rowland
Roland Wallace***
Sponsored by Pat and John Zimmerman

 

Flute/Piccolo

Joanna Cowan White**, Principal
Kassia Martin*
Cathy Webster***

 

Oboe/English Horn

LindaBeth Binkley, Principal
The Vernon A. Stenger Chair
Asako Furuoya

 

Clarinet/Bass Clarinet

Sam Martin, Principal
Grant Von Wald**

 

Bassoon/Contrabassoon

Aliciana LoTemple, Principal
Jennifer Dean*
Cynthia Duda

 

Horn

Kurt Civilette, Principal
The Robert T. Ralston Chair
Robin Von Wald***
Michael Wright*
Nicole Minney

Trumpet

Grayson Gayle, Acting Principal
Sponsored by Nina & David Frurip
Open Position
James Young*

 

Trombone

Denis Jiron, Principal
Sponsored by John & Amy Wilson on behalf of Abigail Wilson
Joseph Radtke**
Bryan Pokorney**

 

Tuba

Mark Cox**, Principal
Sponsored by Sarah & Daniel Opperman

 

Timpani

Rob Kratz*, Principal

 

Percussion

Michael Giunta*, Principal
The Tina and Philip Van Dam Chair
Chris Peeler**

 

Harp

Joan Holland**, Principal

 

Keyboards

Mary Jo Cox**, Principal
Sponsored by Sarah & Daniel Opperman

 

Librarian & Personnel Manager

Robin Von Wald

*10-19 Service Years
**20-29 Service Years
***30+ Service Years
+MSO/CMU Undergraduate Fellow

Midland Symphony Orchestra is proud to be a partner orchestra of the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS), an unprecedented national initiative to increase diversity in American orchestras. It will do so by offering Black and Latinx musicians a customized combination of mentoring, audition preparation, financial support, and audition previews. Learn more at www.auditionalliance.org.