ANNAPOLIS, MD – September 19, 2025 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Annapolis, MD — The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is proud to announce the appointment of six new string musicians, whose artistry will deepen the ASO’s vibrant sound and strengthen its role as a cultural leader in the region. Welcoming new musicians is vital to the Symphony’s continued growth; each appointment brings new energy, artistry, and perspective that strengthens the collective sound of the ASO for seasons to come. The new musicians include Principal Harp Katherine Ventura, violinists Zoe Kushubar, Anna Luebke, Madalyn Navis, Glen Kuenzi, and violist Kunjing Dai. The new violin and viola appointments bring an impressive range of experience.
Katherine Ventura joins the ASO after three seasons as Acting Principal Harp with the Kansas City Symphony, with frequent appearances at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, including on recordings and international tours. She will serve as Acting Principal Harp of the Pittsburgh Symphony during the 2025–26 season.
Zoe Kushubar (violin) is pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Maryland and has performed internationally, with solo appearances across the Eastern U.S. and Europe.
Anna Luebke (violin) holds positions with the Des Moines Metro Opera Orchestra, Maryland Symphony Orchestra, and Sarasota Opera Orchestra, and has held fellowships at Tanglewood and Spoleto USA.
Madalyn Navis (violin) performed with Virginia Symphony Orchestra and regularly performs with the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra and Richmond Symphony.
Glen Kuenzi (violin) performs with the Great Falls Philharmonic. He is a former concertmaster of NOI+F and an Eastern Music Festival fellow.
Kunjing Dai (viola), a graduate of Juilliard and Rice, has performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Colorado Symphony, and Ying Quartet, and serves on the faculty of the Boston University Tanglewood Institute.
Welcoming new talent is essential to the Symphony’s mission of connecting with audiences and bringing exceptional musical experiences to the communities we serve. Each musician arrives with both a rigorous educational background and years of dedication to their craft. Their artistry strengthens not only the collective sound on stage, but also the Symphony’s outreach in schools, museums, wellness centers, and throughout the community.
“These musicians embody the artistic depth, talent, and professionalism we strive to bring to the stage,” said Artistic Director and Conductor José-Luis Novo. “At the ASO, we are committed to presenting concerts that are both emotionally engaging and conceptually appealing. By welcoming these new colleagues, we reaffirm our mission to share music as a living art form—one that reflects the diversity, resilience, and imagination of the human spirit, and serves as a powerful means for bringing people together.”
Under Maestro Novo’s leadership, many ASO musicians have chosen to make Annapolis their artistic home for decades. The shared joy of performing together — both at their home in Maryland Hall and on stages across the region — fosters a sense of camaraderie and artistic dedication that defines the ASO’s sound.
Executive Director Erica Bondarev Rapach added: “Our musicians are the heart of everything we do. These appointments ensure that the ASO can continue offering extraordinary performances while deepening our connections with the community. We are especially proud that violinist Glen Kuenzi also teaches at the Annapolis Symphony Academy, where ASO professional musicians — all union-represented — mentor young students in lessons, ensembles, and the Orion Youth Orchestra. This connection between the Symphony and the Academy is central to our mission: inspiring audiences today and nurturing the musicians of tomorrow. We are thrilled to welcome these new colleagues, and I know our patrons will give them a warm Annapolis welcome.”
The appointments come on the heels of the ASO’s recently ratified musicians’ union contract, negotiated by Bondarev Rapach and musician representatives, and underscores the organization’s commitment to supporting its artists and ensuring a thriving artistic community for years to come. Beyond the concert hall, the Annapolis Symphony Academy (ASA) changes lives by providing accessible, high-level music education to students from all cultural and economic backgrounds.
For more information or to support the ASO’s mission, visit www.AnnapolisSymphony.org.
Media Contact:
Diana Love
Director of Marketing and Communications
DLove@annapolissymphony.org