BSO Announces New Orchestra Appointments

Following national auditions, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the appointments of Principal Trombone Aaron LaVere and Assistant Principal Oboe Melissa Hooper; additionally, Principal Cello Dariusz Skoracezwski, who has served in this role since 2011, was granted tenure. The new appointees will begin their service with the orchestra with the upcoming 2014-2015 season.

"I am honored and delighted to have the opportunity to work with Marin Alsop and become part of the world-class musicians of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra," said Principal Trombone Aaron LaVere. "Marin is an inspiring leader and the BSO is known as one of the world's most innovative and musically exceptional orchestras."

"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the BSO," said Assistant Principal Oboe Melissa Hooper. "It's an incredible honor to be invited to perform with a group of musicians I respect and admire so much."

Tim Smith of the Baltimore Sun has said that Principal Cello Dariusz Skoracezwski's "lush tone, expressive style and solid technique have earned him admiration in a career that encompasses solo, chamber and orchestral music-making."

The BSO appoints Aaron LaVere as principal trombone. Mr. LaVere's most recent post was as the principal trombone with the Oregon Symphony Orchestra. His previous positions include guest principal trombone with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, and principal trombone with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Oregon Bach Festival Orchestra and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Mr. LaVere holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music from University of Michigan and his teachers include H. Dennis Smith, Jay Friedman, Sam Pilafian and James DeSano.

Melissa Hooper will assume the role of assistant principal oboe. She has performed as a guest musician with the Metropolitan Opera, the National Symphony Orchestra and the symphony orchestras of Hawaii and San Antonio. Ms. Hooper received a Bachelor of Music from The Juilliard School, where she was a student of Elaine Douvas. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, serving as a teaching assistant for Rebecca Henderson. During recent summers, Ms. Hooper has performed at the Aspen Music Festival and School, where she was a recipient of the New Horizons Fellowship.

Principal Cello Dariusz Skoracezwski has been granted tenure. Mr. Skoracezwski joined the BSO in 2000 and previously held the position of assistant principal cello before being named to his current position in 2011. During his time with the BSO, he has performed on two European tours, one Japanese tour and participated in several BSO recordings. As a soloist, he has performed with numerous orchestras in the U.S., including the Montgomery Symphony, Alexandria Symphony, Arlington Philharmonic and Lancaster Symphony. In November 2005, Mr. Skoracezwski gave his Carnegie Hall debut, which was sponsored by the La Gesse Foundation. The cellist is also a member of critically acclaimed Monument Piano Trio. Mr. Skoracezwski began his musical education at the age of six and spent his school years in Warsaw, Poland under the instruction of Professor Z. Liebig and Professor A. Zielinski. He completed his higher education as a scholarship recipient at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and perfected his art under the supervision of world-renowned cellist Stephen Kates.

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