Greenville Symphony announces new musician appointments following national auditions
September 8, 2026
The Greenville Symphony Orchestra is welcoming eight musician appointments to its roster following a competitive national audition process that drew 68 musicians from across the country.
Held over four days in early June, the auditions brought musicians to Greenville to perform for open positions across the orchestra, resulting in appointments within the strings, brass and woodwind sections, including two principal positions.
The newly appointed musicians are:
- Principal Oboe: Chelsea Russell (pictured left)
- Principal Trumpet: Michael Brotherton (pictured right)
- Section Violin: Julia Jacobsen and Elizabeth Dorey
- Section Viola: Kerry Walther and Charles Carter
- Section Cello: Aria Posner and Haeun Chung
“The audition process is one of the most important ways we shape the future sound of the Greenville Symphony,” said Lee Mills, Music Director of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. “We heard an extraordinary level of talent throughout this process, and we are thrilled to welcome these musicians to the orchestra. Each brings artistry, discipline and a deep commitment to the collaborative work of making music.”
The Greenville Symphony’s audition process begins with blind preliminary rounds, with musicians performing behind a screen before advancing to final rounds in view of the Audition Committee. Made up of orchestra musicians and artistic leadership, the committee evaluates candidates throughout the process and guides the selection of musicians for each open position.
In addition to the eight appointments, nine musicians were added to the Greenville Symphony’s substitute musician list through the audition process.
“These appointments represent an exciting moment for the Greenville Symphony as we prepare for the season ahead,” said Jessica Satava, Executive Director of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. “Our musicians are at the heart of everything we do, and welcoming these artists to the orchestra strengthens not only the performances our audiences experience, but also the artistic community we are continuing to build here in Greenville.”
The appointments come as the Greenville Symphony prepares for its 2026-27 season, “Common Ground,” an exploration of the melodies, rhythms and stories that connect people across cultures and generations. The season opens September 26-27 with Mozart’s Requiem at Peace Concert Hall and continues with Concert Hall, Gunter Theatre, family, holiday and special event performances throughout the Upstate.
For more information about the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, visit greenvillesymphony.org(opens in new tab).
About the Greenville Symphony Orchestra
Preparing to enter its 79th year, the Greenville Symphony Orchestra is one of the Southeast’s premier professional orchestras, reaching more than 50,000 people annually through innovative performances, community events, and music education. Under the baton of Music Director Lee Mills, now entering his third season, the GSO continues to inspire audiences with a fresh approach to both traditional and new works, reflecting the vibrancy of our region.
