HORN



            

Emily Dunsmore

Principal BIO

Emily Dunsmore

Principal

When did you join the NSO?

2014/2015 season

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

More of a what – Movie scores like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, listening to Mahler Symphonies with my dad.

What’s your favourite piece of classical/orchestral music?

Pines of Rome, Mahler Four Last Songs, all Beethoven and Brahms symphonies, Star Wars Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. I also love chamber music by Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, and Louise Farrenc.

If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Jacob Collier and/or Snarky Puppy

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I love to knit and crochet, draw and paint. I have a growing interest in gardening, although I still have more of a black thumb than a green one. I also love exploring the East Coast Trail and parks and trails in St. John’s with my husband Andrew and our sons Henry and Owen.

Read Emily’s Full Bio.

David Natsheh

Section BIO

David Natsheh

Section

When did you join the NSO?

10/01/1986

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Edsel Bonnell

What’s your favourite piece of classical/orchestral music?

 

If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Radek Baborak

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

I am a one trick pony.

Mara Pellerin

Section BIO

Mara Pellerin

Section

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2006

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Watching my older sister perform at Festival 500 years ago and hearing the orchestra accompany the choirs at the finale performance

What’s your favourite piece of classical/orchestral music?

 

If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Bjork

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Writing, cooking and coaxing the dog into various Halloween costumes…in August 🙂

Elizabeth Philpott

Section BIO

Elizabeth Philpott

Section

When did you join the NSO?

09/05/1977

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Always dreamed of playing horn (played trumpet in elementary and junior high) but Sr. Celine Veitch at Holy Heart gave me the opportunity. Kjellrun Hestekin at MUN Music School was my beautiful mentor.

What’s your favourite piece of classical/orchestral music?

 

If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Jann Arden

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Quilting, fitness

Michelle Stevenson

Section BIO

Michelle Stevenson

Section

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2008

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Jim Prowse. The band director at Beaconsfield High School

What’s your favourite piece of classical/orchestral music?

 

If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Sarah Willis

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Reading, walking, knitting

Doug Vaughan

Section BIO

Doug Vaughan

Section

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/1977

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Leo Sandoval

What’s your favourite piece of classical/orchestral music?

 

If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Paul McCartney

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Golf with Brenda and time with my children and grandchildren.



TRUMPET



            

Katie Sullivan

Principal BIO

Katie Sullivan

Principal

When did you join the NSO?

04/01/1991

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Libby Philpott, Michelle Dinn, Donald Buell

What’s your favourite piece of classical/orchestral music?

 

If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Karen Donnelly, Principal Trumpet of NAC

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Hiking, walking, tennis

Jill Dawe

Section BIO

Jill Dawe

Section

When did you join the NSO?

09/06/2010

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Katie Sullivan

What’s your favourite piece of classical/orchestral music?

 

If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Phil Smith

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Yoga, interior design dreaming



TROMBONE



            

Darren McDonald

Principal BIO

Darren McDonald

Principal

When did you join the NSO?

09/05/1994

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

David Smith

What’s your favourite piece of classical/orchestral music?

 

If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Jack Conte

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Mountain Biking, Whitewater Kayaking

Andrew Cooper

Principal Bass Trombone BIO

Andrew Cooper

Principal Bass Trombone

When did you join the NSO?

09/09/1993

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My Dad

What’s your favourite piece of classical/orchestral music?

 

If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Beyonce

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Hockey, golf, hunting, fishing, camping, and motorsports.



TUBA



            

Catherine Tansley

Principal BIO

Catherine Tansley

Principal

When did you join the NSO?

2017

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Growing up with many wonderful brass players surrounding me inspired me.

What’s your favourite piece of classical/orchestral music?

Not sure!

If you could pick one artist to collaborate with, who would it be?

Lizzo

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Spending time with house plants, and making art.

Read Catherine’s Full Bio