Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra Welcomes New Musicians

Andrea Kaplan has been named Assistant Principal Flute. She joins the SLSO from the Florida Orchestra where she spent the last three seasons as Principal Flute. Prior to joining the St. Petersburg based Florida Orchestra, she was Second/Assistant Principal Flute with the Mexico State Symphony. Kaplan was a featured soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Wilmington Symphony in 1994, and the Bucks County Symphony in 1993. She attended Rice University in 2004, and completed her bachelor's Degree from the Curtis Institute of Music in 2003. Kaplan replaces Janice Smith, who retired from the SLSO in 2004.

Jonathan Vinocour has been named Principal Viola. He joins the SLSO after a career as a freelance chamber musician. His music background also includes guest principal positions with Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig (Germany) in 2003 and Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa (Japan) in 2006. Vinocour was a regular substitute musician with the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 2003-2007. His chamber music credits include the Marlboro Music Festival in 2003-2005 and 2007 and the Steans Institute Ravinia Festival in 2006. He received his Master of Music Degree from the New England Conservatory of Music in 2003, and attended Princeton University and received a degree in Chemistry and a certificate in Musical Performance in 2001. Vinocour takes over the position previously held by Shannon Farrell, who remains a member of the SLSO viola section.

Michael Walk has been named Section Trumpet. Walk joins the SLSO from the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, where he has served as Second Trumpet since 1997. His musical career also includes positions with the San Diego Chamber Orchestra in 1996, and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra in 1995. Walk received a Bachelor of Music degree from San Diego State University and a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music. He replaces Gary Smith who retired in 2007.

The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra currently has three positions open; Principal Percussion, Principal Horn and Utility Horn. In addition, one-year replacement auditions will be held for the Assistant Concertmaster position, due to Peter Otto's leave of absence with the Cleveland Orchestra. -- www.slso.org