Valerie Holden

When did you join the NSO?

01/01/1972

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

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

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

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Kathy Conway-Ward

When did you join the NSO?

September 1997

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Sister Kathrine Bellamy

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

Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 Tchaikovsky

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

Taylor Swift

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Toronto Blue Jays, shopping, travelling, cats, physical activity, beatin’ the paths of downtown St John’s

Michelle Cheramy

When did you join the NSO?

I played principal flute with the NSO for five seasons between 1999 and 2006, and rejoined the orchestra 2022.

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

I think music itself inspired me. There are no musicians in my immediate family, and I remember asking my parents for piano lessons when I was seven despite the fact that we didn’t own a piano! The first time I heard a concert band I was captivated, and immediately wanted to play a band instrument too.

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

It’s impossible to have a single favourite! Brahms symphonies will always be on my playlist, though.

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

Yo Ma. His thoughtful, intelligent musicianship is inspiring.

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

As far as other creative outlets go, I have none except cooking! In my free time I enjoy hiking and reading.

Read Michelle’s Full Bio 

Sarah Comerford

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2010

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

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

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

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Yoga, Hiking, and spending time exploring NL with my family

Glenn Rice

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/2012

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My Music Teachers

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

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

Branford Marsalis

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Renovating, Woodworking, Cooking

Brenda Gatherall

When did you join the NSO?

09/01/1999

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

My Grade 5 Band Teacher – Bill Conkey

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

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

Billy Joel

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Gardening, Cooking/Baking

Grant John Etchegary

When did you join the NSO?

07/08/1981

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

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

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

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Hiking

Nicole Hand

When did you join the NSO?

2008

Who inspired you to learn how to play?

Katie Sullivan, my first band teacher

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

Sons of Kemet

What other non-musical creative outlets do you have?

Writing, cross-stitch, rock climbing

Read Nicole’s Full Bio