Musician Instrument: Strings
Katie Backus
Originally from Rhode Island, Katie Backus is now based outside of Burlington, VT. A violinist and violist, she received a degree in music education from the University of Rhode Island, and
taught strings both in public schools and privately for ten years in New Hampshire before moving to Vermont.
Zexun (Jason) Shen
Zexun (Jason) Shen joined the DSO cello section in 2022. Born in Shanghai, China,he studied at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music with Professor Da-Hai Liu and graduated with honors in 2009. In the same year, he began his studies with Timothy Eddy at the Mannes College of Music (BM 2013, MM 2015) and was awarded a full scholarship and the Goldsmith Foundation Award. Shen served as the principal cellist of the Mannes Orchestra from 2011 to 2015. After graduation, he completed his professional study with Dean’s Award under the guidance of Philippe Muller at Manhattan School of Music. He joined the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in 2016. In May 2021, Shen was awarded the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Stony Brook University where he studied with Colin Carr.
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Hyorim Han
Violinist Hyorim Han joined the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in 2022. Prior to joining the DSO, she regularly performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the St. Louis Symphony, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and took part in their domestic and international tours.
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Matthew Sinno
Matthew Sinno, a Massachusetts native, joined the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as Associate Principal Viola during the 2021/22 season. Prior to that he served as Associate Principal and Acting Principal Viola with the Kansas City Symphony. Mr. Sinno has also performed with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra as a substitute player.
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Leonidas Kavakos
Leonidas Kavakos is recognized across the world as a violinist and artist of rare quality, acclaimed for his matchless technique, captivating artistry, and superb musicianship. He works regularly with the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors and appears in recitals at the premier halls and festivals. In recent years, Kavakos has also built a strong profile as a conductor.
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Dwight Shambley
Dwight Shambley graduated from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and joined the Dallas Symphony in 1972. Shambley taught bass at Texas Tech University and has also been on the faculties of the University of Tulsa, the University of Arkansas and Southern Methodist University.
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