Boston Symphony Appoints Four New Players

Two new section violinists, a Principal Bass, and an Associate Principal Horn will join the orchestra

The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has announced the appointment of four new players: a new Principal Bass, Associate Principal Horn, and two new section violinists.

Following the retirement of Edwin Barker, who was the orchestra's Principal Bass for almost half a century, the orchestra has appointed Caleb Quillen to the role. Previously a member of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, he is a graduate of New England Conservatory and was a Tanglewood Music Center fellow for two summers.

BSO third horn Michael Winter has been promoted to Associate Principal Horn, and will occupy the chair that was left empty when Richard "Gus" Sebring was promoted to Principal Horn in 2023. Winter joined the BSO in September 2012 from the Buffalo Philharmonic and Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. He is on faculty at the New England Conservatory, and is also a volunteer firefighter for the town of Richmond in Berkshire County.

New tutti violinist Samuel Andonian is currently a doctoral fellow at the CUNY Graduate Center. A graduate of the New England Conservatory and The Juilliard School, he has appeared solo with the Boston Pops Orchestra, New York Classical Players, New England Philharmonic, and Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra.

The final new appointee is tutti violinist Arianna Brusubardis Grace. A graduate of the Tanglewood Music Center, she joins the BSO after holding positions in the Canton Symphony Orchestra, the Kansas City Symphony, and the Boston Ballet Orchestra.

"After almost 50 years as principal bass of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, my colleagues and I bid a fond farewell to Ed Barker, who retires at the end of this spring," said Andris Nelsons, BSO Music Director. "Ed has led his section with exceptional musicianship and integrity, and we are filled with gratitude for his years dedicated to the BSO. Ed remains a cherished part of our BSO family and its legacy."

"At the same time, we are very pleased to warmly welcome the Boston Symphony Orchestra's new principal bass, Caleb Quillen. Caleb’s outstanding artistry will be invaluable to the BSO as he joins us in his roles as section leader and as a member of the Boston Symphony Chamber Players."

"We are also very pleased to welcome two wonderful, talented young violinists, Samuel Andonian and Arianna Brusubardis Grace, to the orchestra. Finally, after an impressive audition, we are thrilled to heartily congratulate Michael Winter on his promotion to associate principal horn."

Image credit: Boston Symphony Orchestra