The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra Hires New Musicians

The orchestra has welcomed a new principal harpist, double bassist, and second horn player for the upcoming season

The three new additions to the New York City’s Metropolitan Opera Orchestra are Hannah Cope Johnson, Andrew Gantzer, and David Alexander, who will take on the role of principal harpist, double bassist, and second horn player, respectively.

The three musicians have begun rehearsing with the Met Orchestra as it prepares for the opening of its 2023/24 concert season this week.

Previously the principal harpist of the Sarasota Orchestra, Cope Johnson completed her graduate studies at New England Conservatory in 2022. She is the winner of the American Harp Society Competition, Grandjany Memorial Competition, and the Lyon & Healy Awards. In 2022, she won second prize at Belgium’s International Godefroid Competition.

“I am elated to be joining the fabulous Met Opera Orchestra. It is a joy to make music alongside colleagues who display such exceptional artistry,” Cope Johnson said. “The cherry on top is the warm welcome I have received as a new orchestra member. My colleagues have buoyed me up and given me a sense of belonging right away. I couldn’t be happier!”

A recent Juilliard School graduate, Gantzer studied bass with Hal Robinson and Rex Suraney. He has performed with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and won first prize in its 2019 competition.

“I'm excited to join The Met Orchestra because as a long time opera enjoyer, I'm thrilled to be able to play the works I love by composers such as Puccini, Verdi, and Wagner,” he said. 

An alum of the New World Symphony and The Juilliard School, Alexander has performed at the Colorado College Summer Music Festival, National Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute, and National Youth Orchestra USA. Since giving his solo debut with the Houston Brass Band, he has performed in recital at the Juilliard School and the Suffolk County Music Educator’s Association. 

“After watching and admiring the Metropolitan Opera for years, I am delighted to join the orchestra this season,” Alexander said. “On top of some beautiful staples of the repertoire, I can’t wait to perform operas that are new to me, the orchestra, and our audiences!”