Meet the professional artists who bring every performance to life.
[Select any musician’s name to see their photo and detailed biography.]
Richard Stoelzel, Music Director and Conductor
Richard Stoelzel serves as Music Director and Conductor of the Florida Philharmonic, bringing distinguished international acclaim, dynamic artistic vision, and inspiring leadership to the podium. Hailed as one of the premier trumpet artists and conductors of his generation, his expansive career spans performances across North America, Europe, and Asia as a soloist, orchestral leader, and educator. Under his baton, the Florida Philharmonic delivers transformative symphonic experiences, bridging classical masterworks with vibrant contemporary presentations that captivate audiences across Southwest Florida.
Ming Gao, Concertmaster
The Catherine Reiche Chair
Ming Gao serves as the Concertmaster of the Florida Philharmonic and Associate Concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic, bringing an extensive international performance and leadership background to the stage. Having held past concertmaster posts with the Eastman Philharmonia and the Nanjing Experimental Orchestra—alongside performance credits with major ensembles like the Pittsburgh Opera and Ballet Orchestras—he is also an active soloist and an adjunct violin professor at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Judith Yanchus
Judith Yanchus is an esteemed classical violinist whose distinguished career includes a long tenure with the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York. Having studied in Boston and New York under the guidance of Rouben Gregorian, Ivor Karman, and Joseph Fuchs, her extensive performance credits span the Rotterdam Philharmonic, the San Francisco Symphony, and serving as Principal Second Violin of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. She has collaborated with prominent ensembles and festivals such as the String Trio of New York, the Hammond Chamber Players, and the Monadnock and Windham Chamber Music Festivals. She is a valued cornerstone of the Florida Philharmonic’s first violin section.
David Qi
David Qi is an accomplished professional violinist who received his foundational training in Beijing before pursuing advanced studies at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. A seasoned performer with deep roots in Florida’s classical music community—including longtime collaboration with the Sarasota Orchestra—he brings refined technique and expressive musicianship to every performance.
Israel Mendez
Israel Méndez is a distinguished violinist whose dynamic career spans prominent orchestral stages across the Americas and beyond. A proud alumnus of Venezuela’s legendary El Sistema network, he spent fourteen years performing globally with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra and now performs regularly with leading professional ensembles throughout Florida.
José Antonio Guédez
José Antonio Guédez began his violin studies in Venezuela under the mentorship of Samuel Parra and the Latin American Violin Academy before earning his degree in Music Education from UPEL. A versatile artist who has toured internationally with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, he is an active chamber and orchestral musician across South and Southwest Florida.
Nora Maria Lastre Broughton
Nora Maria Lastre is a versatile violinist and experienced arts administrator who brings a unique blend of creative artistry and executive leadership to the Florida Philharmonic’s first violin section. Originally from Cuba, she earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the Music Conservatory of Aragon in Spain and holds a Professional Performance Certificate from Lynn University. Deeply embedded in South Florida’s cultural landscape, her extensive background includes key administrative posts—most notably as General Manager and COO of the Southwest Florida Symphony, where she directed financial operations and strategic planning. Her dual expertise seamlessly bridges high-level artistic performance with organizational vision, making her a vital asset to the orchestra both on and off the stage.
Erik Berg
Erik Berg is an accomplished classical violinist who serves as Associate Principal Second Violin of the Naples Philharmonic and a dedicated member of the Florida Philharmonic. He holds both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music. In addition to his orchestral career, Erik is a passionate and experienced educator who has been teaching students of all ages—from young beginners and college preparatory students to adult learners—for more than twenty years across the Florida musical community.
Cindi Qi, Principal
The Kathy Kelle & Karl Fedronas Chair
Cindi Qi serves as Principal Second Violin of the Florida Philharmonic, bringing refined artistry, leadership, and expressive playing to the section. A versatile orchestral and chamber musician, she also holds the position of Associate Concertmaster with the nearby Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota. Beyond her leadership roles on the symphonic stage, she active as a featured soloist and chamber artist across Southwest Florida, frequently performing in string quartets and appearing alongside her father, fellow violinist David Qi, in collaborative family ensemble performances. Her dedication to excellence continues to deeply enrich the region’s classical music community.
Gregory Carreño
Born into an internationally renowned Venezuelan musical family, Gregory Carreño is an accomplished violinist and conductor who studied at the Simón Bolívar Conservatory, Florida International University, and the University of Miami. A founding member of the Orquesta Infantil de Venezuela, his distinguished career spans performances with world-renowned ensembles—including the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra and the Miami Symphony Orchestra—under leading conductors such as Claudio Abbado, Sir Simon Rattle, and Gustavo Dudamel. Recognized as a UNESCO Artist for Peace and recipient of Venezuela’s prestigious Orden “José Félix Ribas,” he brings exceptional technical command and world-class artistry to the Florida Philharmonic’s second violin section.
Baoling Xu
Baoling Xu is a skilled classical violinist known for her expressive musicianship and collaborative spirit within the orchestra. She is an active member of the regional classical music scene in Southwest Florida, appearing on the section violin rosters for local professional ensembles including the Florida Philharmonic’s Violin II section and regional concert programs in Venice. As a dedicated member of the second violin section, she helps drive the ensemble’s dynamic performances across a diverse repertoire.
Lisa Hallinan
Lisa Hallinan is an active classical violinist in Southwest Florida who served as Concertmaster for the Florida Gulf Coast University Symphony Orchestra, where she earned her degree in music. A dedicated performer and collaborator, she brings technical precision, expressive musicality, and a strong foundational background in symphonic and chamber repertoire to the Florida Philharmonic’s second violin section.
Rachel Cox, Principal
Rachel Cox serves as Principal Viola of the Florida Philharmonic, leading her section with a deep, warm tone and sensitive musicality. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from the New England Conservatory—where she studied under Walter Trampler—and an MBA from IMPAC University. A cornerstone of Southwest Florida’s classical music scene, her distinguished career includes long-standing leadership with the Southwest Florida Symphony alongside appearances with the Naples Philharmonic, Dayton Philharmonic, and Carnegie Hall. A passionate advocate for musical legacy and education, she established the FGCU scholarship that sparked the founding of the Bower School of Music, serves as historian for the Regional Orchestra Players’ Association (ROPA), and is an accomplished author of several historical books, poetry, and a novel.
Juan Carlos Siviero
Originally from Argentina, Juan Carlos Siviero studied viola in Buenos Aires before moving to Chicago, where he earned a Master in Viola Performance from Roosevelt University under Chicago Symphony violist Richard Ferrin and a Performance Certificate from DePaul University studying with Rami Solomonof. His expansive career spans prestigious Midwestern and regional ensembles—including the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the National Symphony of Argentina, and the South Bend Symphony—as well as Principal Viola of the Southern Illinois Music Festival. Currently performing across Central and Southwest Florida with the Villages Philharmonic, Space Coast Symphony, and Florida Philharmonic, he is also a dedicated teacher of viola, violin, and chamber music.
Monica MacMichael
Monica MacMichael is a distinguished professional violist and music educator who brings subtle nuance, artistic depth, and collaborative excellence to the Florida Philharmonic. In addition to her symphonic performances with regional ensembles such as The Venice Symphony, she is a long-standing advocate for music education in the local community, serving for nearly a decade as the Orchestra and Chorus Teacher at Braden River Middle School in Bradenton, Florida.
Dr. Rafael Ramirez
Dr. Rafael Ramirez is an accomplished violist, mandolinist, and educator who began his musical studies in Caracas through Venezuela’s famed El Sistema program before earning his Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Miami. A former prize-winner at the FIU Chamber Music Competition and featured soloist internationally, his extensive performing background includes engagements with the Simón Bolívar Symphony, New World Symphony, Palm Beach Pops, and South Beach Chamber Ensemble. Active as a faculty member at the Greater Miami Youth Symphony and Teaching Artist for the Florida Youth Orchestra, he brings scholarly expertise, refined artistry, and vibrant energy to the Florida Philharmonic.
David Calhoun, Principal
David Calhoun serves as Principal Cello of the Florida Philharmonic, bringing a commanding stage presence and expressive artistry to the ensemble. An acclaimed cellist with an extensive career, he holds principal posts with the Space Coast Symphony, Brevard Symphony Orchestra, The Villages Philharmonic, and Classical Tahoe, alongside past tenures with the American Symphony Orchestra, American Ballet Theatre, and Brooklyn Philharmonic. Handpicked by Philip Glass to record the premiere solo performance of the Naqoyqatsi cello concerto, he was also featured as the soloist for the iconic PBS series The Power of Myth. His versatile credits include Broadway pit orchestras for The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, as well as international tours as a featured cellist with Liza Minnelli, Rod Stewart, and Willie Nelson.
Si-Cheng Liu
Si-Cheng Liu is an accomplished classical cellist and music educator who brings refined technique and sensitive artistry to the Florida Philharmonic. Holding degrees from the Nanjing Conservatory of Music and UMKC, plus an Artist Diploma from Duquesne University under Pittsburgh Symphony principal cellist Ann Martindale, she has performed with the Naples Philharmonic since 1995 and plays with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra during the summer. An active chamber musician with the Naples Piano Quartet and Apollo Piano Trio, her performances include a nationally broadcast CCTV concert tour across China. An adjunct professor at Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida Southwestern State College, her dedicated teaching has mentored student competition winners who have gone on to major U.S. conservatories.
Sarah Troeller
Sarah Troeller is a talented classical cellist and educator who brings collaborative spirit, technical precision, and dynamic artistry to the Florida Philharmonic. A graduate of The Ohio State University—where she served as principal cello of the university orchestra—she earned international recognition as a Third Prize winner at the 2014 George Enescu International Cello Competition. Currently performing with the Pops Orchestra of Sarasota and Bradenton alongside her symphonic work, she is deeply committed to music education in Southwest Florida, teaching orchestra at Braden River Middle School and guiding student cellists ranging from young beginners to advanced players.
Roy Garcia
Born in Coro, Falcón State, Roy Garcia is a distinguished Venezuelan cellist who studied through El Sistema and the Simón Bolívar Music Conservatory in Caracas before specializing in chamber music with Ana Ruth Bermúdez. A former principal cellist of the Falcón Symphony and acting principal with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, he has appeared as a featured soloist under leading international conductors, earning Venezuela’s prestigious Orden José Félix Ribas. With a versatile background spanning orchestral performance with Symphony of the Americas, conducting, and masterclass studies under world-class cellists like Natalia Gutman and Franz Helmerson, he brings rich nuance to the Florida Philharmonic and serves on the faculty staff of the National Cello Academy.
Laurence Glazener, Principal
The Anthony & Judith Licata Chair
Laurence Glazener serves as Principal Double-Bass of the Florida Philharmonic, providing a powerful and secure foundation for the orchestra’s harmonic structure. A graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts and the Cleveland Institute of Music, he studied under principal bassists from the National Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Formerly Principal Bassist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra—with solos and continuo playing recorded on Deutsche Grammophon, Decca, and Sony—he has appeared on Lincoln Center’s Great Performers series, at Weill Recital Hall, and at summer festivals including Mostly Mozart, Ravinia, Chautauqua, and Windham. Active in chamber, commercial, and symphonic realms across New York and Southwest Florida, he brings world-class artistry to the section.
Joseph Trunk
Joseph Trunk is an accomplished professional double-bassist and certified music educator who serves as Principal Double Bass Emeritus for the Florida Philharmonic. Holding both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees, he brings decades of refined performance experience, steady rhythmic precision, and a warm, resonant tone to the orchestra’s low-string section. Deeply dedicated to both symphonic performance and music education throughout Florida, his long-standing leadership and artistic commitment continue to be a vital cornerstone of the ensemble’s collective sound.
Thomas “TJ” Glowacki
TJ Glowacki is a versatile double-bassist, educator, and audio producer who holds a Master of Music in Bass Performance and a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of South Florida. A member of the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, he has performed with the Florida Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony, Opera Tampa, Opera Naples, and the Prague International Chamber Orchestra, alongside national Broadway tours such as Wicked, West Side Story, and Mary Poppins. His wide-ranging career includes backing legendary stars like Andrea Bocelli, Barry Manilow, and The Who, producing albums through his studio (Glowacki Productions), and teaching music and acoustics at St. Petersburg College and the Patel Conservatory.
Richard ‘Dickie’ Fleisher, Principal
The Anthony & Judith Licata Chair
Richard “Dickie” Fleisher serves as Principal Harp of the Florida Philharmonic, infusing the orchestra with color, brilliance, and shimmering texture. Hailing from an extraordinary musical dynasty—including his father, legendary pianist Leon Fleisher, and uncle Edward Druzinsky, 40-year principal harpist of the Chicago Symphony—he has been Principal Harpist of the Naples Philharmonic since 1983. Praised by conductor Erich Kunzel as “perhaps the finest symphonic harpist in our country,” Dickie’s expansive international career includes performances with the Cincinnati Symphony, Lucerne Symphony, and Miami City Ballet, as well as serving as a U.S. judge for the 2022 U.S.A. International Harp Competition. A faculty member at Florida Gulf Coast University and director of the Naples Harp Ensemble, he is also an accomplished competitive table tennis player who has been ranked No. 1 nationally in his age group.
Tasha Robinson
Tasha Robinson is an accomplished professional harpist, singer, and storyteller with over 35 years of performance experience across the United States and Canada. Trained at the Cincinnati Conservatory, the University of Toronto, and the Glenn Gould Professional School, she serves as Principal Harpist of the Ocala Symphony and performs regularly with the National Orchestra of the Dominican Republic, Punta Gorda Symphony, Gulf Coast Symphony, and Florida Philharmonic. Celebrated for her sold-out solo shows at Selby Botanical Gardens, she is a versatile artist who performs on a 47-string Lyon & Healy acoustic concert harp, a Triplett Celtic harp, and a custom Salvi electroacoustic harp, blending classical elegance with captivating narrative performance.
Nicole Granroth, Acting Principal Flute
Nicole Granroth is an accomplished orchestral flutist, chamber musician, and arts administrator with over 15 years of international performance and educational experience. Originally from Milford, Michigan, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in music from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s in flute performance from the Hartt School of Music. Following her studies, she joined the Orquesta Sinfónica Sinaloa de las Artes in Mexico, touring nationally and performing at Mexico City’s prestigious Palacio de Bellas Artes, while also teaching at the Superior Music School of Sinaloa. Now based in Fort Lauderdale, she performs with the Florida Philharmonic, Symphony of the Americas, and South Florida Symphony, substitutes with Miami City Ballet and Florida Grand Opera, and serves as Artistic Operations Manager for the Florida Singing Sons youth choir.
David Suarez, Acting Principal
David Suarez is a distinguished flutist and educator whose expressive playing has earned him top honors across the region, including First Prize at the Florida Flute Association Young Artist Competition and selection as a finalist in the New York String Seminar. Native to Puerto Rico, he began his flute studies at the New World School of the Arts in Miami before training at Florida State University and Lynn University Conservatory of Music. A former principal flutist with the South Florida Youth Symphony and the Youth Orchestra of the Americas at the Pablo Casals Festival, he has performed in public radio broadcasts and masterclasses with renowned flutists like James Walker and Peter Lloyd. In addition to his symphonic career, David coordinates adult music education programs for the Institute for Learning in Retirement in Boca Raton.
Antonio Urrutia Mendoza, Acting Principal Oboe
Colombian-born, Miami-based oboist and English hornist Antonio Urrutia Mendoza serves as Acting Principal Oboe of the Florida Philharmonic, with playing described by the South Florida Classical Review as “expressive and suspended.” He holds a Master of Music and Graduate Performance Diploma from McGill University’s Schulich School of Music, where he studied under former Montreal Symphony Principal Oboe Theodore Baskin. Currently Principal Oboe of the Florida Grand Opera and Solo English Horn with the Palm Beach Symphony, his distinguished global career includes past posts as Acting Associate Principal Oboe of the Auckland Philharmonia in New Zealand and engagements with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Miami City Ballet, and New World Symphony. An Aspen Music Festival Fellow studying with Metropolitan Opera Principal Oboe Elaine Douvas, he brings world-class artistry and international acclaim to the section.
Elias D. Medina
Elias D. Medina is a highly accomplished young oboist pursuing a Performance Studies Certificate at The Colburn School under the studio tutelage of Eugene Izotov. A Tanglewood Music Center Oboe Fellow and former Principal Oboe with the New York String Orchestra Seminar, he has demonstrated exceptional technical virtuosity and orchestral mastery early in his career. His symphonic background includes guest performances as substitute oboist with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the New World Symphony, bringing dynamic talent and refined artistry to the Florida Philharmonic’s oboe section.
Stacey McColley, Principal Clarinet
Stacey McColley serves as Principal Clarinet of the Florida Philharmonic and holds an M.A. in Clarinet Performance from the University of California, San Diego. A distinguished Vandoren Artist/Clinician and Buffet Performing Artist, her extensive career includes serving as Principal Clarinet of the Punta Gorda Symphony, Bass Clarinetist with the Sarasota Opera, Utility Clarinetist with the Southwest Florida Symphony, and Solo Clarinetist with the Reflections Chamber Ensemble. She has performed chamber music concerts across the globe—from Carnegie Hall in New York to Italy, Spain, and San Francisco—and currently serves on the faculties of four Tampa Bay colleges and the InterHarmony International Music Festival.
Tony Negron
Tony Negron is an accomplished clarinetist, concerto soloist, and music educator who holds a Master in Clarinet Performance from Duquesne University under Pittsburgh Symphony clarinetist Ron Samuels. Principal Clarinetist of the Florida Wind Band and second clarinet with the Greenville Symphony and Florida Philharmonic, he has performed with The Florida Orchestra, Sarasota Orchestra, and major touring acts such as Sarah Brightman, Il Divo, and Celtic Thunder. A faculty member at Hillsborough Community College and recipient of multiple Arts Council of Hillsborough County grants, he manages an active private studio and frequently leads masterclasses and lectures across the region.
Scott Ellington
Scott Ellington is a highly sought-after classical clarinetist and freelance artist who brings rich ensemble experience and technical precision to the Florida Philharmonic. A core member of The Southwest Florida Symphony, his career encompasses regular performances with prominent regional and national orchestras, including the Naples Philharmonic and Charlotte Symphony. In high demand across Florida, he performs frequently in symphonic programs, theatrical productions, and chamber ensembles throughout the state.
Christopher Hill
Christopher Hill is a nationally acclaimed clarinetist who recently concluded a celebrated 37-year tenure as Principal Clarinetist of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. Holding Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Temple University under Philadelphia Orchestra principal Anthony Gigliotti, his distinguished performance credits span the Philadelphia Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony, Omaha Symphony, and international tours of Broadway hits like Evita and Carousel. Hailed by The Clarinet magazine as a “first rate clarinetist,” he has had three concertos composed specifically for him, is a Royal Global and D’Addario artist, and designs and crafts his own renowned line of custom clarinet mouthpieces.
Laura Winters, Principal Bassoon
Laura McMullen Winters serves as Principal Bassoon of the Florida Philharmonic, bringing rich tonal warmth and seasoned orchestral artistry to the low-woodwind section. She earned her Master of Music from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and her Bachelor’s degree from Lynn University. A staple of South Florida’s classical music community, her extensive performance credits include Principal Bassoonist of the Palm Beach Pops, core member of the Palm Beach Opera Orchestra and Symphony of the Americas, and dedicated music educator at All Saints Catholic School in Jupiter, Florida.
Gabrielle Hsu
Originally from Seattle, Washington, Gabrielle Hsu is a dynamic bassoonist who holds a Bachelor of Music from Arizona State University and a Master of Music in Bassoon Performance from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, where she is continuing her studies in the Artist Diploma program as a Henry Mancini Institute Fellow. A student of Gabriel Beavers, she performs as a substitute bassoonist with regional ensembles including the Palm Beach Symphony, Boca Symphonia, New World Symphony, and Orchestra Miami. Passionate about chamber music and contemporary performance, she frequently collaborates with emerging composers to champion new works for contrabassoon and unique instrumentation.
Troy Messner, Acting Principal
Troy Messner serves as Acting Principal Horn of the Florida Philharmonic, bringing rich brass tone, versatile technique, and steady artistic leadership to the section. A highly active freelance hornist based in West Central Florida, his broad musical career spans solo, chamber, and symphonic performances, as well as arranging for horn and woodwinds. With a diverse performance background that also includes accomplishments as a military musician, clarinetist, and basset hornist, he contributes deep expertise and passion to the regional classical music scene.
Lyndsie Wilson
Lyndsie Wilson is an acclaimed hornist and educator who serves on the faculty at the University of South Florida, where she directs the USF Horn Ensemble and instructs the horn studio. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Temple University and a Master of Music from the Cleveland Institute of Music, having studied with world-renowned horn pedagogues such as Jennifer Montone and Julie Landsman. Before moving to Florida, she enjoyed an extensive career in Philadelphia performing regularly with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, the Philly POPS, and the Philadelphia Ballet, as well as subbing with the Cleveland Orchestra. Now based in Tampa, she plays Second Horn with the Sarasota Opera Association while remaining a passionate advocate for brass education through masterclasses, workshops, and international brass conferences.
Lisa Bontrager
Lisa O. Bontrager is an internationally celebrated horn soloist, chamber artist, and educator who serves as Distinguished Professor of Music at Penn State University, where she was awarded the 2008 Faculty Scholar Medal for the Arts and Humanities. Holding performance degrees from the University of Michigan, she has toured across Europe, South America, Asia, and the U.S. as a member of the Millennium Brass Quintet, MirrorImage horn duo, and Pennsylvania Quintet. Principal Horn of the Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra and Altoona Symphony, her performance credits include the Baltimore, Rochester, Chautauqua, and Harrisburg symphonies. A former Advisory Council member of the International Horn Society, she has presented masterclasses worldwide and can be heard on nearly 20 recordings, including her acclaimed solo albums Hunter’s Moon and Abide With Me.
Robert McCabe, Principal Trumpet
The Anthony & Judith Licata Chair
Robert McCabe serves as Principal Trumpet of the Florida Philharmonic, bringing commanding technique, clear brilliant tone, and refined artistic leadership to the brass section. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Music from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. An accomplished orchestral performer with a strong foundation in classical repertoire, Robert is also a dedicated educator with extensive experience teaching across university and K–12 levels, currently specializing in music education for EBD students in Broward County.
Pamela Smitter, D.M.A.
Dr. Pamela Smitter is a distinguished trumpeter and educator who holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Trumpet Performance. A versatile artist in the Florida musical community, she performs with the Florida Philharmonic, Gulfshore Opera, and other regional ensembles. In addition to her active performing schedule, she serves as an Adjunct Professor of Trumpet at Miami Dade College (North Campus), guiding private studio students in advanced brass pedagogy. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she brings exceptional musicianship and a passionate commitment to performance and teaching throughout South Florida.
Jeffrey Uban
Dr. Jeffrey Uban is a highly sought-after professional trumpeter, Fine Arts Director, and music educator with over 15 years of teaching experience across primary, secondary, and collegiate levels. Holding a Doctorate in Jazz Performance alongside degrees in Classical Performance and Arranging, his extensive performing career spans 49 states and 32 countries. He has toured with iconic groups such as the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, with featured appearances on Broadway, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center. His rich background in both classical and jazz performance brings dynamic versatility and artistic energy to the Florida Philharmonic trumpet section.
Tim Conner, Principal Trombone
Tim Conner serves as Principal Trombone of the Florida Philharmonic, bringing world-class virtuosic command and decades of distinguished symphonic leadership to the low-brass section. An Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, he earned his degree at the Eastman School of Music under John Marcellus. His illustrious career includes 18 years as Principal Trombone of the original Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, over 20 years as Principal Trombone with the Florida Grand Opera, and leadership roles with the Miami City Ballet, Boca Symphonia, and Southwest Florida Symphony. A highly celebrated soloist who has premiered concertos written specifically for him by David Maslanka and Thomas Sleeper on the Naxos label, he has performed alongside legendary icons such as Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra Jr., and appeared on international festival stages from Tonhalle Zurich to the Jerusalem Symphony.
Will Hurtz, Tenor Trombone
Will Hurtz is a distinguished professional trombonist and low-brass specialist who earned his Bachelor of Music degree and prestigious Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music under the tutelage of Larry Zalkind. An active symphonic and chamber collaborator across the regional music scene, he holds the position of Bass Trombone with the Southwest Florida Symphony. Bringing pristine technical accuracy, rich tone, and deep ensemble experience to the Florida Philharmonic, he is a vital presence within the orchestra’s brass section.
Ben McLaughlin, Principal Bass Trombone
Ben McLaughlin is a dynamic, rising bass trombonist based in Miami who serves as Principal Bass Trombone for the Florida Philharmonic. Combining commanding low-register resonance with exceptional technical control, his academic and artistic trajectory includes studies at the Manhattan School of Music, the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, and the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. An active performer across South Florida’s symphonic landscape, he provides a rich, powerful foundation for the orchestra’s low-brass section.
Todd Hanley, Principal Tuba
Todd Hanley serves as Principal Tuba of the Florida Philharmonic, anchoring the brass section with a rich, resonant low-end foundation and vibrant musicality. He studied music performance at Florida State University, building a strong command of brass technique and symphonic repertoire. A cornerstone of Southwest Florida’s brass community, Todd is also a master instrument specialist and repair technician at Cadence Music in Fort Myers. Known for his approachable, fun-loving spirit and passion for craftsmanship both on and off the stage, his deep technical expertise and dedicated musicianship make him an essential cornerstone of the orchestra’s low-brass sound.
John Hill, Acting Principal
Dr. John Hill serves as Acting Principal Timpani of the Florida Philharmonic, bringing dynamic rhythmic drive, versatile percussion mastery, and decades of distinguished performance to the stage. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music in Performance from Central Michigan University, where he studied under the legendary Robert Hohner. A celebrated educator and sought-after clinician with over 29 years of public school teaching experience, he directs the MSU Percussion Ensemble and serves on the faculty at Mott Community College and Oxford High School. His expansive career spans symphonic tenures with the Flint, Saginaw Bay, and Lansing Symphony Orchestras, annual performances for the Indianapolis 500, and national tours alongside popular icons including Three Dog Night and Marie Osmond.
Kyle Cherwinski, Percussion Principal
Dr. Kyle Cherwinski serves as Principal Percussion of the Florida Philharmonic, providing precision, energy, and artistic brilliance to the orchestra’s rhythm section. An active percussion educator and studio instructor, he has directed ensemble performances across the country, including work with the Louisiana Youth Orchestra, the University of Northern Colorado, Berkeley Preparatory School, and Florida College. As a versatile classical performer, he appears regularly across Florida with the Tampa Bay Brass Band, the Florida Wind Band in Tampa, and in symphonic productions throughout the region.
Jesse Holmgren, Principal Piano & Harpsichord
Jesse Holmgren serves as Principal Pianist and Harpsichordist for the Florida Philharmonic, captivating audiences with his virtuosic technique and expressive artistry. He received his advanced classical keyboard training at Brigham Young University under the renowned direction of Dr. Irene Peery. Celebrated both as a collaborative orchestral keyboardist and a featured concerto soloist—including acclaimed performances of Grieg’s Piano Concerto with the Northport Symphony—his sensitive touch and commanding stage presence make him a vital asset to the orchestra’s keyboard section.
