fbpx

Symphony Team

BARBARA RANDOLPH
Interim Executive Director

Barbara relocated to the United States in 2017 after living 35 years in Mexico City, Mexico. During her time there she was the Executive Director of the Harvard Foundation in Mexico, increasing direct financial aid for Mexican graduate students and researchers to $1.2MM in annual scholarship support. She led the negotiations of all strategic partnerships with the university, the Mexican government, US Embassy, donors, and students. Toward the advancement of cutting-edge research, she developed a highly competitive postdoctoral research program between Mexico and Harvard designed specifically to address the most pressing issues relevant to Mexico´s Strategic National Agenda.

Upon returning to the US, she focused her efforts on advocacy, working in grassroots organizing and political engagement. She is a founding member of the North Mecklenburg Economic Mobility Collaborative and continues to work toward efforts in affordable housing. A surprise call in March of 2022 led her to take on the management of the ASO’s Tour to Spain. This tour spanned four cities with 100 musicians, staff, and guests, within four renowned concert halls to wide public acclaim. She considers this extraordinary opportunity to manage, execute, and experience their international tour, under the direction of Maestro Novo, to have been truly an honor.

Today, she feels newly honored to step in as the ASO’s Interim Executive Director and she is enthusiastically collaborating with the Board of Trustees, staff, our highly talented musicians and Maestro Novo on the orchestra’s needs that prioritizes an eminent artistic level with sufficient revenues, and with programming that continues to expand our audiences further.

Email Barbara

 

SARAH JOHANSEN
Director of Business Operations

Sarah Johansen

Sarah joined the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra in September of 2021. Before the ASO, she lived in New York City and was the Line Producer / General Manager of Remarkable Entertainment, an immersive theatrical company whose projects included several shows for Virgin Voyages cruise line, the Big Apple Circus, and an upcoming immersive nightlife venue located in the heart of midtown. She also worked as the Theatre Manager of Soho Playhouse and as the Box Office Manager of many theatre festivals around the city. Sarah graduated from Oklahoma City University with a B.S. in Entertainment Business, with an emphasis in Theatre Management.

Email Sarah

MIRIAM FOGEL
Director of Artistic Operations

Miriam Fogel joined the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra as Director of Artistic Operations in September 2022, after working the previous spring on various tour, artistic, and personnel projects. Her past experience in orchestra management includes roles at the New World Symphony (Miami, FL), Richmond Symphony (VA), The Knights (Brooklyn, NY), and the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi (Milan, Italy). Prior to ASO, she was Project Director of the Menuhin Competition Richmond 2021, an international violin competition.
She is also currently General Manager of Salt Bay Chamberfest, a two-week-long summer chamber music festival in Midcoast Maine. She also has extensive experience working with music festivals, including Aspen Music Festival (CO), Spoleto Festival dei 2 mondi (Umbria, Italy), Stresa Festival (Lombardy, Italy), Brevard Music Center (NC), and the Mostly Mozart Festival (NY). Miriam grew up in New York City and graduated from Harvard College with a bachelor’s degree in music.

Email Miriam

DIANA LOVE
Director of Marketing & Communications

Diana joined the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra as Director of Marketing and Communications in September, 2022. Her past experience in marketing includes Homestead Gardens, Whole Foods Market, World Duty Free Americas (BAA), LeSportSac, and Tiffany & Co. Diana’s experience in communications includes Community Journalist for the Capital Gazette, Staff Writer for What’s Up Magazine,  Editor in Chief of GreenBook Magazine, and many freelance assignments. Diana is a graduate of Eckerd College with a dual degree in International Business and Political Science.

Email Diana

 

NETANEL DRAIBLATE
Academy Director & Founder

Netanel Draiblate headshotHailed as “an extremely gifted violinist,” Netanel Draiblate’s performances as a soloist, chamber musician, and recording artist serve to emphasize his versatility. Draiblate has collaborated with such luminaries as Pinchas Zukerman, Yo-Yo Ma, ltzhak Perlman, Jaime Laredo, and Cho Liang Lin.

Season highlights include performances of Jim Stephenson’s violin concerto Tributes with the Lake Forest Symphony, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra featuring his own cadenza, Lou Harrison’s Suite for Violin, Piano and Chamber Orchestra with the Post-Classical Ensemble in Washington, D.C., and Coriglianos’ The Red Violin Chaconne with the Annapolis Symphony. Recent engagements include appearances with the American Symphony at Carnegie Hall, the Israel Chamber Orchestra, the Brasilia Concert Society Orchestra, and Turkey’s Bursa Symphony Orchestra.

Draiblate recently toured with duo partner pianist Lura Johnson as Times Two, with a program that included selections from their Azica Perspectives recording.  He also led a string quartet in a special program celebrating the 50th anniversary of German-Israeli diplomatic relations at Carnegie Hall, in Washington, D.C. and at Ravinia. Recognized for artistry that “combines confidence and eloquence,” Draiblate made his Canadian debut last season on the Friday Music Series.

Draiblate serves as the Director of Chamber Music at Georgetown University and is the Founder and Director of the Annapolis Symphony Academy.

Email Netanel

JULIE NOLAN
Director of Education & Community Outreach

Julie Nolan headshotJulie is passionate about education and volunteers with many youth educational programs.  Before joining the Annapolis Symphony Academy staff, she was a homeschool educator for 13 years to her three children, who are currently attending Johns Hopkins, MIT, and high school, respectively.  Prior to homeschooling, Julie worked in Naval Intelligence for 14 years. Beginning as an intelligence analyst, she moved up to operational management, advising senior leadership and negotiating intelligence exchange agreements with foreign governments. In her last assignment, at the Pentagon on the staff of the Director of Naval Intelligence, she provided guidance and justification for defense intelligence budgets.

Email Julie

LAUREN SILBERMAN

Director of Development

Lauren R. Silberman is the Director of Development with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Prior to joining the ASO, she was the Deputy Director at Historic London Town and Gardens in Edgewater, MD for over eight years. She has also served as a Program Officer with the American Alliance of Museums and the Education and Program Coordinator at the Jewish Museum of Maryland. Ms. Silberman has served on the boards of the Small Museum Association and the Friends of the Greenbelt Museum, as well as being a grant reviewer for the National Endowment for the Humanities, City of Greenbelt, and Anacostia Trails Heritage Area. In 2022, Ms. Silberman was awarded the designation of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a credential recognizing fundraising excellence. Ms. Silberman has authored three local history books: Wild Women of Maryland: Grit and Gumption in the Free State (History Press, 2015), Wicked Baltimore: Charm City Sin and Scandal (History Press, 2011), and The Jewish Community of Baltimore (Arcadia Publishing, 2008). Under her pen name Daphne Silver, her first cozy mystery Crime and Parchment will be published by Level Best Books and Blackstone Audio in November 2023. When not working with the ASO, she lives in Greenbelt with her husband and son.

Email Lauren

ERICA JOHNSON
Senior Accountant

Email Erica

OLIVIA REN
Orchestra Librarian

Olivia Ren

Olivia Ren joined the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra in July of 2022. As the Orchestra Librarian, Olivia oversees all aspects of music acquisition. Olivia is also the Orchestra Librarian at the National Philharmonic at Strathmore, the Principal Librarian at the National Orchestral Institute and Festival, and the Orchestra Librarian at the Capital City Symphony in Washington, D.C. Previously, Olivia was the Interim Ensemble Librarian at the Peabody Conservatory, and Assistant Librarian at The Apollo Orchestra. She has also worked in the orchestra library at the University of Maryland School of Music.

An accomplished violinist as well, Olivia is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Violin Performance from Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Music, as well as a Master of Music degree from the University of Maryland. Olivia has performed with various groups in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

Email Olivia

DAVID SCIANNELLA
Operations Manager

Dave Sciannella

This is David’s 34th season as second trombonist with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Born in Lanham, Maryland, David holds a BM from Catholic University in Washington, DC and a MM from The Eastman School of Music. He leads an active freelance career in the Washington-Baltimore-Northern Virginia area. He is Principal Trombone of The National Philharmonic at Strathmore Hall, The Lancaster Symphony and The National Gallery Orchestra. He is a former trombonist and Euphonium soloist with The Washington Symphonic Brass and can be heard on several of their recordings. David often subs for the Baltimore Symphony, the National Symphony, and the Harrisburg Symphony. For 15 years he was a Professor of Trombone at George Washington University and now teaches at his own private low brass studio. He also owns and operates a brass instrument repair shop. He lives in Silver Spring with his two daughters. In his free time he enjoys golf and his vegetable garden.

Email David

 

 

SHUN YAO
Orion Assistant Conductor

Shun YaoConductor and pianist Shun Yao is currently serving as conducting assistant at Annapolis Symphony Academy as well as University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra. Born in the historical city of Xi’an, China, Mr. Yao has worked with orchestras across Europe, Asia, and North America. In the 2020-2021 season, he appeared in concerts with South Demark Philharmonic and Janacek Philharmonic (Czech Republic). He assisted at Chicago Summer Opera for their production of Britten’s Albert Herring, as well as at the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra for their live-stream concerts during the pandemic, while advancing to the final round of the inaugural Arthur Nikisch Conducting Competition in Bulgaria.

Other highlights of Mr. Yao’s career include appearances with Eastern Festival Orchestra in North Carolina, Divertimento Ensemble in Milan, Hear&Now Ensemble in Houston, Cleveland Institute Symphony, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, and London Classical Soloists. He has participated in masterclasses with prominent figures such as Jorma Panula, David Zinman, Robert Spano, Tomas Netopil, José-Luis Novo, Larry Rachleff, and Gerard Schwarz. Dedicated to evolving orchestral performances to suit our time, his music-making has been described as “natural”, “attentive”, and “elegant” (Classical Voice).

Mr. Yao’s upcoming engagements include concerts with Orion Youth Orchestra, University of Maryland Repertoire Orchestra, and an apprenticeship with the Annapolis Opera.

Email Shun

MAYA MCATEE
Data & Office Manager

Maya is originally from Bulgaria. She moved to Annapolis 16 years ago where she still lives with her husband and daughter. Maya has a Finance Degree and she has been working as a bookkeeper for profit and nonprofit companies. She has volunteered for different organizations working with children and military such as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America, CASA of Maryland, Navy Fleet and Family Support and Navy Marine Corps Relief Society. Maya enjoys a multicultural environment and diverse musical styles. She is excited to be a part of an organization that creates and promotes the classical music.

Email Maya

KIMBERLY VALERIO
ASA Department Head, Winds & Brass

Flutist Kimberly Valerio holds a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the Peabody Conservatory where she studied with Mark Sparks. Her principal teachers have included Mary Louise Poor, Bonnie Lake, Donald Peck, and Walfrid Kujala. In addition, she has performed in master classes with Carol Wincenc, Robert Willoughby, Donald Peck and was a featured performer in the James Galway Masterclass at the National Flute Association‘s 1997 Chicago convention.

Ms. Valerio has been awarded first place honors in many competitions including the Chicago Flute Society, the Liberty Freemont Concert Society, the Society of American Musicians, Chicago’s Musical Arts, and the Elmhurst Symphony Young Artist Competition.

Ms. Valerio’s past teaching appointments include St. Mary’s College, Salisbury State University, Anne Arundel Community College, and the Peabody Preparatory.

She has been playing Principal Flute with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra since 1998 and Principal Flute with Maryland Symphony Orchestra from 2004-2021. In addition to her appointment with both orchestras she has performed with the Saint Louis Symphony throughout their 2002-2004 season, Baltimore Symphony, Washington National Opera, National Philharmonic, National Repertory Orchestra, National Orchestral Institute, Spoleto Festival Orchestra U.S.A., Mid Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, South Florida Symphony Orchestra, and Chesapeake Chamber Orchestra.

Kimberly Valerio’s sound has been described as having “sparkle and verve” by the Baltimore Sun, “gorgeous sound”, “sweet purity” by the Capital Gazette, and “graceful elegance” by the Severna Park Voice.

Email Kimberly

HEATHER HAUGHN
ASA Department Head, Strings

Heather Haughn, violin, enjoys a diverse career as an active chamber musician, orchestral player, and teacher. She plays nationwide as a member of the West Shore Piano Trio and the Zanoli* Duo. Ms. Haughn currently plays with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Maryland Symphony Orchestra, and the Maryland Lyric Opera Orchestra.  She is the Chair of the String Department at the Annapolis Symphony Academy and is on the faculty of the Peabody Preparatory, Goucher College and the University of the District of Columbia.

Ms. Haughn has performed as soloist and concertmaster with the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra (under the direction of Kent Nagano), the San Francisco Sinfonietta, and the San Francisco Concerto Orchestra. She has also served as concertmaster for Cal Performances, Golden Gate Opera, Pocket Opera, Ballet San Joaquin, and North Bay Opera. She has played associate concertmaster for the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, Pacific Chamber Symphony, Chamber Orchestra of Albuquerque, and the Schlossfestspiele opera orchestra in Heidelberg, Germany. She was formerly the assistant principal second violinist with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra.

Ms. Haughn has performed chamber music throughout the United States. As a member of the Sierra Ensemble for violin, horn, and piano, she performed throughout northern California. The trio released a CD, “Heartstrings”, in 2006(produced by Museum Music). She was formerly the first violinist of the Bella Cosi String Quartet. The quartet was a semi-finalist in the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and was featured on a CD, “Lullaby, and Good Night”, produced by KHFM. The group was the quartet in residence for the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival’s Education and Outreach Program, Chamber Music Albuquerque’s Education Program, and the Golden Gate Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. The Bella Cosi Quartet coached with members of the Alexander, American, Cleveland, Concord, Juilliard, Kronos, Penderecki, and St. Lawrence Quartets.

Also a dedicated pedagogue, Ms. Haughn served as Director of Strings at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. for twelve years and was on the faculty of the University of California, Berkeley for four years.  She also conducted the youngest orchestra of the Golden Gate Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and was on faculty at the Community Music Center of San Francisco. Ms. Haughn was formerly on faculty at the Houston Conservatory and taught for the Rice University Preparatory Division.

Ms. Haughn received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music where she studied with Lynn Blakeslee. She received a Master of Music degree from Rice University where she studied with Kathleen Winkler. Ms. Haughn has performed in master classes for renowned artists including Isaac Stern, Roland and Almita Vamos, and Zvi Zeitlin.

Email Heather