Charleston, WV - The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) is thrilled to welcome a group of new musicians, including a new concertmaster, to the WVSO family after auditions in late 2023.

With New Music Director Maurice Cohn in place, the WVSO held auditions for open positions in violin, oboe, and bassoon sections in late November and early December. These multiple rounds of auditions resulted in a group of eight new talented musicians that joined the WVSO as contracted members beginning with Musical Sweets and Treats on Jan. 20.

“We are thrilled that these wonderful musicians are joining the WV Symphony,” said Music Director Maurice Cohn. “Great music-making starts with great musicians, and with these appointments we are building on the long tradition of excellence at the WV Symphony. You will love hearing them on our stage!”

New additions to the violin section include Yaniv Gutman, Josef Mueller, Brian Curtin, Eunbee Lee, Mariya Krastanova and Concertmaster Mary Grace Johnson. Sean Elliot will begin his position as Principal Second Violin. Current WVSO violin II section player Taya Ricker successfully auditioned to move  Assistant Concertmaster. Additional successful candidates include Principal Oboe Ian Daugherty and Principal Bassoon Thomas English.   

Newly selected Concertmaster Mary Grace Johnson is the Assistant Professor of Violin at West Virginia University. She has performed as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Europe and North America and has won honors at numerous competitions including the Bartok World String Quartet Competition and MTNA’s National Young Artist Competition. An advocate for underrepresented voices, she has premiered works by over a dozen composers.

“I am so excited to officially join the West Virginia Symphony and make great music in this state which I am proud to call my new home. Together with music director Maurice Cohn, I’m looking forward to the beginning of a new era for the orchestra!”, Johnon said.

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical and pops concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently in its 85th season, the WVSO is a proud member of the community and enriches the region by providing affordable, high-quality concerts, collaborations with West Virginia arts organizations and a nationally award-winning education program.