Hartford Symphony Orchestra Announces New Fellows for the HSO Musician Fellowship Program

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the completion of our audition process for the HSO Musician Fellowship, generously supported by The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. This fellowship aims to provide invaluable experience and performance-based professional development opportunities to early-career string musicians from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. The two-year program is open to up to two early-career musicians, annually—four in total once the program is in full swing—for violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

The recent audition process in June included highly competitive musicians with 31 applicants from across the country. After careful and lengthy deliberations by the committee, we are pleased to announce the selection of two outstanding Fellows who will join the HSO family on Monday, September 23, in time for our Masterworks season opening.

We are delighted to welcome Esther Benjamin to the Hartford Symphony Orchestra family. Ms. Benjamin is a distinguished cellist and music educator who is deeply passionate about making quality music education accessible to all. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Cello Performance at The Hartt School under the guidance of Mihai Tetel, she brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her craft. Born in London, England, and having begun her musical journey at an early age, Esther’s path has been marked by numerous accolades and achievements. From her beginnings in the Huntsville Youth Symphony to her advanced studies at Oakwood University and Boston University, Esther has consistently demonstrated excellence. Her rich background in performance, music education, and community engagement, along with her ongoing involvement in esteemed musical ensembles, promises to inspire and elevate our orchestra. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Ms. Esther Benjamin; we look forward to the inspiring contributions she will bring to our orchestra.

 

We are equally excited to welcome Samantha Donato as a new fellow to the Hartford Symphony. Samantha is a distinguished double bass performer whose musical journey began at the Eastman School of Music under the tutelage of James VanDemark, where she received her Bachelor of Music. She then continued her studies at Boston University, obtaining a Master of Music under Edwin Barker, and is currently completing her Performance Diploma with Ben Levy at the same institution. Samantha holds a principal position in the DuBois Symphony and Boston Opera Collaborative and serves as a section bassist with the Cape Ann Symphony and Boston Chamber Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she performs with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Atlantic Symphony, Chorus of Westerly, and other ensembles. Recently, she was the principal bass at the Prague Summer Nights Festival, leading performances of Don Giovanni in the historic hall where Mozart premiered the work. Outside of music, Samantha enjoys running with friends, spending time with her cat, and watching Formula 1 races on Sundays. Please join us in welcoming Samantha Donato to our orchestra; we are thrilled to have her with us.