Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VSO) has added nine new musicians and staff members in 2025, filling a range of artistic and administrative roles, from Principal Viola to Senior Director of Philanthropy. These appointments reflect the VSO’s continued investment in artistic excellence, organizational strength, and service to communities across Vermont.
New Musician Appointments
The VSO recently promoted one longtime musician and welcomed five new musicians across its viola, violin, and woodwind sections.
Stefanie Taylor was promoted to Principal Viola after serving as Assistant Principal Viola. A VSO musician since 1999, she is also a member of the VSO’s Jukebox Quartet.
“I’m proud and grateful to be the new Principal Viola of the Vermont Symphony. Part of my life since childhood, the orchestra is at the center of my musical life here in Vermont. I’m excited to continue making music with my fabulous colleagues, and look forward to connecting with audiences all around our beautiful state through the power and beauty of live performance.”
Joining the viola section are:
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Tajia Warbelow, a violist and violinist known for her work with the Friction Quartet and as a fiddler in the acclaimed Broadway production Come From Away.
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Nickolas Kaynor, a versatile artist who currently performs as principal violist of both the Plymouth Philharmonic and the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestras and section violist of the Binghamton Philharmonic and Hartford Symphony Orchestras.
Three new musicians join the violin section:
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An-Chi Lin, a Taiwanese violinist based in Boston who recently completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Boston University. She performs actively as a chamber musician throughout the area in addition to performing with the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Philharmonic.
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Daniel Faris, a graduate of Boston University’s College of Fine Arts with a diverse career performing with ensembles including Boston Ballet, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, Portland, Cape and New Bedford Symphonies, and as part of the Lincoln Center Stage program
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Leah Zelnick, who earned her Doctor of Musical Arts from SUNY Stony Brook, operates a private studio in Concord, Massachusetts, and has performed with orchestras in and around the Boston area, including Portland, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Bedford Symphonies. She recently performed with The Light In the Piazza at The Huntington last spring.
The woodwinds section welcomes:
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Christopher Correa, 2nd Oboe, originally from Long Beach, California. A Curtis Institute of Music graduate, Correa has performed more than 100 recitals and featured programs including Robert Schumann’s Three Romances and Bach’s Partita.
Philanthropy and Administrative Leadership
The VSO also welcomed two new leaders to its development team, which oversees donor relations, fundraising campaigns, events, grant writing, and community partnerships.
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Allison Steinmetz, Senior Director of Philanthropy, brings more than 17 years of experience as a performing artist, arts administrator, and voice teacher. Her previous roles include development and marketing work at the Sarasota Opera, Montreal Chamber Music Festival, Vermont Symphony Orchestra, and The Opera Company of Middlebury. She holds degrees in vocal performance and music business administration from the University of Montreal and The Crane School of Music.
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Olivia Muszynski, Associate Director of Philanthropy, will support statewide programs and partnership development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Loyola University Chicago and brings a background in real estate investments, adding financial and analytical expertise to the VSO’s fundraising efforts.
“We are thrilled to welcome such talented musicians and dedicated staff to the VSO. Their skill, passion, and professionalism will elevate our work onstage and behind the scenes, enriching the musical experiences we bring to audiences across Vermont,” said Elise Brunelle, Executive Director of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.
These artistic and administrative additions bring diverse backgrounds, international performance experience, and fresh expertise to the organization—further strengthening the VSO’s vision for the years ahead.
For more information on the VSO staff and musicians, visit vso.org.
About the Vermont Symphony Orchestra:
With a legacy of more than 90 years delivering top-tier musical performances and educational programs, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra is a cultural cornerstone in the region, enriching communities and the lives of Vermonters statewide. With a commitment to artistic excellence, innovative programming, and community engagement, the VSO has established itself as one of the country’s premier state orchestras.
Burlington, Vermont – January 7, 2026 – VSO.org.
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