Season 217 coming soon!

Violin

Ayaan Ahmad

Ayaan, a junior violinist living in Dunster, leads a life of perpetual motion, juggling the demands of Economics and a dual degree in Violin Performance at the New England Conservatory. Always on the run, he’s constantly fearful that time is slipping through his fingers, his practice schedule never quite matching the demands of his academic ambitions. Torn between the worlds of theory and artistry, Ayaan’s life is a delicate dance of deadlines and duets, balancing the calculus of economic models with the intricacies of Bach. His greatest challenge? Not letting the race against time overtake the music he so passionately plays.

Cal Alexander

Cal is a senior violinist in Adams House concentrating in Comparative Literature and Music while also studying Violin Performance at the New England Conservatory. On campus, Cal directs PBHA’s Harmony program, performs with the Harvard College Opera, and writes for the Crimson. He also serves as a Peer Advising Fellow for Wigg C! He enjoys London Fogs, fruit, and – most of all – milk and cookies.

Ethan Chang

Ethan is a sophomore violinist in Quincy concentrating in Government and Economics on a path to law school (or selling out). If you don't see him committed on his quest to find the best restaurants in the greater Boston area, then you might catch him spewing random politics or airline news from the NYTimes, contemplating on ordering delivery for 30 minutes before deciding not to, or yapping (eating) with friends at 3am... Outside of HRO, Ethan is involved with Consulting on Business and the Environment, planning birthday parties for his friends, and the Harvard Pops.

Claire Cho

Claire is a sophomore violinist living in Dunster and is currently undecided about her concentration. She loves long walks around campus with headphones on and has a strong appreciation for good fruit – especially cherries, blueberries, and apples.

Bianca Ciubancan

Bianca is a junior violinist living in Mather, studying Applied Math and Music. When she’s not in rehearsal or eating green apples, she loves to sleep. She loves to sleep so much that she might actually fall asleep soon and finish writ-

Feodora Douplitzky-Lunati

Feodora is a junior living in Cabot and she plays the violin. When she's not speaking English, she can be found speaking French or Russian. Allez comprendre, elle aime manger des croissants.

Stephanie Dragoi

Stephanie is a junior violinist in Dunster House.

Maggie Fulop

Maggie is a first-year violinist living in Mass Hall, hoping to study English and Economics. She has gone through quite a few “favorite” composers, but will always have a soft spot for Tchaikovsky. Outside of HRO, you will likely find her with an overly complicated caffeinated drink, reviewing a new Chobani Flip flavor or doing something related to creative writing.

Noemi Gilbert

Noemi is a senior violinist from Sweden, studying English. She lives in Dunster and loves late-night practice sessions. Her favorite thing to do is sight reading with friends. Outside of HRO, Noemi can be found hunting for new elderflower drinks or snacking on Goji berries, mint Milano cookies, and plain rice.

Mia Hakkarainen

Mia is a sophomore violinist living in Mather studying Math. She is currently obsessed with Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony No. 1. When she isn’t doing work, she can be found making amateur crafts, hanging out with friends, or sleeping.

Sophiette Hong

Sophiette is a senior violinist in Adams concentrating in Neuroscience. Aside from HRO, Sophiette serves as a peer counselor and conducts neuroplasticity research. She enjoys jogging, binging K-Dramas, and trying every matcha iteration at Blank Street.

Victor Hsu

Victor is a first-year violinist living in Hollis, planning to study Neuroscience and Computer Science. A Shostakovich fan, he enjoys starting his mornings with classical music and ending his evenings by eating bananas. Outside of HRO, Victor keeps busy through laboratory research, sight-reading with friends, and trying to maintain a good sleep schedule. He also lists “eating food” among his extracurricular activities, which might be his most relatable commitment yet.

Lizzy Huang

Lizzy was too busy setting up for rehearsal to write a bio.

Henry Jackson

Henry Jackson is a senior in Eliot house studying Applied Math and Economics. Henry spends his time outside of class playing club and IM sports (helping Eliot win the Strauss Cup) or losing absurd amounts of money playing poker.

Chrissy Jung

Chrissy is a junior violinist living in Mather planning on concentrating in Applied Math and HRO’s Operations Director. She LOVES ice cream. Loves. Has-two-ice creams-a-day kind of loves. She also loves looking at the New York skyline at night. And eating ice cream. And eating ice cream while looking at the New York skyline at night. When she is not eating ice cream or looking at the New York skyline, you can find Chrissy studying at a cute cafe.

Eddy Kang

Eddy is a junior violinist in Mather concentrating in Applied Math and Statistics. When not in HRO, he enjoys playing volleyball with friends, going to the gym, and hitting up Pinocchio’s.

Ella Kim

Ella is a senior violinist in Lowell concentrating in Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology and Educational Studies. Outside of HRO, she is involved in PBHA, conducts musculoskeletal research, and serves as a Peer Advising Fellow for Wigg A. In her free time, Ella enjoys learning about new fish species, taking afternoon naps, and sampling new matcha recipes.

Ji Hyo Kim

Ji Hyo is a first-year violinist living in Holworthy, planning to study English. A Sibelius enjoyer, poetry lover, and Arizona Green Tea drinker, she reads, writes, and shares her work with friends. Her mornings are often dedicated to the delicate art of perfecting her eyeliner, while her snack preferences include Greek yogurt and Starbursts.

John Kim

John is a junior violinist in Dunster, studying Neuroscience and History of Science. He loves playing chamber music and listening to Wieniawski. When he is not playing in HRO, you may see him walking or running along the Charles, drinking water or matcha while studying in Smith, and taking selfies with friends!

Joylyn Kim

Joylyn (aka Lyn) is a junior violinist in Quincy concentrating in Chemical & Physical Biology with a secondary in Music. There is a high chance you can catch her contemplating and then ultimately ordering Heytea and Mollytea delivery for an outrageous price with Juhee. She enjoys engaging in weird late night conversations that have her convulsing with laughter until she can’t breathe. Outside of HRO, Joylyn likes to collect feet pictures of her unsuspecting roommates and friends (as a joke, of course).

Julia Kim

Julia is a junior violinist in Dunster studying Neuroscience. Outside of HRO, you can find her at a cafe, at another cafe, and maybe she should invest in a Blank Street membership. When she’s not at a cafe, you can find her attending or playing in productions on campus. She is always on the lookout for good books, movies, and places to go with friends!

Rebekah Koh

Rebekah is a first-year violinist living in Matthews, planning to study Government and History. Her favorite orchestral work is Stravinsky’s Petrushka, though Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No.2 holds a special place in her heart. When she’s not playing violin, you can find her enjoying a yogurt drink with aloe vera jelly, snacking on Turtle Chips, or doomscrolling in bed. Her favorite early morning and late-night activities are exactly the same: sleeping or doomscrolling. She also has an orange cat named Yangi, who is presumably much more productive.

Jaemin Lee

Jaemin is a first-year violinist living in Holworthy and currently undecided about his concentrat ion. A fan of Ravel’s La valse, he enjoys late-night walks, conversations over instant ramen, and watching the sunrise. He’s also a massive Studio Ghibli enthusiast with an appreciation for anything and everything chocolate. Between his late-night adventures and early-morning sunrise watching, we’re not entirely sure when he sleeps.

Logan Lee

Logan is a sophomore violinist living in Cabot studying Sociology. Outside of orchestra she is interested in public health, running, reading, and trying cafes with friends.

Alicia Li

Alicia is a first-year violinist living in Holworthy planning on studying Math and Statistics. A Tchaikovsky fan and Formula 1 enthusiast, she enjoys watching races late into the night and setting increasingly optimistic alarms in the morning, only to immediately go back to sleep. Her preferred refreshments are Cheez-Its and Diet Coke with grenadine. She also shares a birthday with Freddie Mercury, who still inspires her vocal endeavors, and is a huge fan of the number 17.

Emil Ma

Emil is a first-year violinist living in Weld, planning on studying Physics and Mathematics. A Mahler enthusiast, his favorite symphony is Mahler 6, primarily because of the hammer, though Beethoven’s Op. 127 also holds a special place in his heart. Outside of HRO, he enjoys rock climbing, table tennis, chess, poker, and sight-reading string quartets with friends. Most importantly, Emil is extremely proud that his name spelled backward is “lime,” a discovery that has inspired an ever-growing collection of lime-themed possessions.

Ozioma Obi

Ozioma is a senior violinist from Greenville, North Carolina concentrating in Neuroscience and Philosophy. He lives in Cabot House, and these days you can rarely find him outside the Quad. Outside of HRO, Ozioma is vice-president emeritus of Harvard’s Nigerian Student Association, teaches violin through Harmony at PBHA, and dances with Omo Naija x Wahala Boys! He’s also conducting social stress research at the McLean Hospital for his thesis.

Olivia Oh

Olivia is a senior violinist living in Leverett, concentrating in Psychology. Between her daily afternoon naps and late-night DJing, Olivia is an avid foodie: she can make a delectable dhall latte and enjoys Diet Coke, Sour Patch Kids, and much more – check out her food Instagram (@oliolioli_eats!)

Sarah Park

Sarah is a sophomore violinist living in Currier, from sunny Florida, interested in neuroscience and global health. She loves listening to music (with her current favorites being Tchaikovsky and Mahler), drinking a vanilla latte or strawberry matcha, and spending time with a great book.

Miro Raj

Miro is a sophomore from Philadelphia living in Lev and studying English/Physics. He plays violin and sometimes viola. At least 10% of Miro’s life happiness is credited to Beethoven. And the other 90% is credited to Jayden Lee ’29.

Kaitlyn Shi

Kaitlyn is a sophomore violinist living in Eliot interested in Economics and Psychology. She loves Tchaikovsky, enjoys watching C-dramas, and likes going for jogs along the Charles, especially when there’s something sweet afterward.

Paloma So

Paloma is a senior violinist in Pfoho concentrating in Economics and Music. She loves Prokofiev, watermelon, late-night cram practicing, skating in the Yard, and sleeping in after cram practicing. She also studies Violin Performance in the NEC Dual Degree program but has unfortunately given up on the 1 bus. Quber?

Noa Suk

Noa is a sophomore violinist living in Lowell. In addition to HRO, she is part of the Harvard Callbacks and BSCP. Outside of music, she enjoys staying consistent with Duolingo and NYT crosswords, and her favorite drink is a Frozen Nutella from Paris Crêperie.

Audrey Sun

Audrey is a junior violinist residing in Kirkland. She studies English and Physics. When not playing in HRO, you can catch her snacking on fruits (likely a peach), sipping tea, walking 🏃, reading, or eating spicy food even though it makes her cry.

Krystal Sun

Krystal is a junior violinist from New Jersey now living in Mather. She is currently concentrating in Biomedical Engineering and Neurobiology and is also pursuing a dual degree in Violin Performance at the New England Conservatory with Paul Biss. In her free time, she enjoys making matcha and trying new Celsius flavors.

Iris Sung

Iris is a senior living in Lowell House, concentrating in mathematics. Outside of HRO, she is an Editor in Chief of THURJ, and can often be found taking long walks or wandering through the halls of a museum.

Moshi Tang

Moshi is a senior violinist in Currier studying physics and music and pursuing a dual-degree in violin performance at the New England Conservatory. Outside of music, he enjoys eating, playing soccer, and staying up late to watch UFC.

Sava Thurber

Sava is a senior violinist from New Hampshire now living in Leverett. Outside of HRO, he studies Environmental Science and Engineering and teaches violin at a youth orchestra in Boston. Between rehearsals and labs, Sava works as a professional taste-tester for Lindt and curates his expansive air guitar collection.

Xinran Tong

Xinran is a sophomore violinist from Hong Kong living in Leverett studying music and neuroscience. She enjoys listening to anything by Richard Strauss, Brahms, or Beethoven. Outside of HRO, Xinran loves playing squash, sketching, and running along the Charles (if it’s not too cold and if she can wake up early enough).

Henry Tsai

Henry is a first-year violinist living in Weld and currently undecided about his concentration. A Beethoven enthusiast, he’s also been playing piano for twelve years. Outside of HRO, Henry enjoys late-night card games, Catan, and throwing a football or frisbee around under the lights. Unlike most college students, he actually enjoys early morning walks. He also enjoys the occasional Schweppes Ginger Ale and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

Mana Tsuruta

Mana is a junior violinist in Dunster House studying Neuroscience. Her favorite composer is Debussy, and she enjoys playing jazz on a white electric violin. As a native of Japan, her pastime is exploring hot springs and unwinding in baths she prefers on the hotter side.

Sophie Tung

Sophie is a sophomore from Hong Kong living in Adams and studying Statistics/Art History. She enjoys Prokofiev, movie nights, and yoga. She dreams of restoring art and growing flowers in Italy.

Lukas Witek

Lukas is a first-year violinist living in Holworthy Hall and is considering concentrating in Economics and Government. He's inspired by everyone from Bach and Heifetz to the Beatles, Mahler, and John Williams. Outside of HRO, he can usually be found playing pickleball, at the gym, or making yet another trip to Felipe’s.

Aquila Wolff

Aquila is a senior violinist in Currier studying Chemistry and Physics. A lover of Tchaikovsky, Mahler, and Ravel, Aquila is also the music director of the Mozart Society Orchestra and Harvard Ballet! When he’s not in a rehearsal for one of the seven ensembles he belongs to, you can find him sharing late-night bb.q chicken with his blockmates and sipping on any kind of sparkling fruit juice.

Matthew Yar

Matthew is a junior in Mather studying astrophysics. Outside of HRO, he is Organ Scholar at 3 different churches, and is patiently awaiting the day that HRO will programme the Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony.

Nicholas Yoo

Nicholas is a junior in Mather House and plays the violin. He's currently studying Economics and History of Science and is also working towards a citation in French. Outside of HRO, Nicholas is a coxswain on the Men’s Heavyweight Rowing team and a member of Brattle Street Chamber Players.

Hannah You

Hannah is a sophomore violinist in Eliot concentrating in Neuroscience. When she’s not busy with rehearsals or studying, she promises you can find her sleeping. She will drink anything but water, as her hidden talent is eating matcha powder straight from the packet.

Grace Zhou

Grace is a senior violinist in Adams concentrating in Computer Science and Physics. Despite being an avid Celsius enthusiast, Grace has a talent for sleep: she can sleep standing up, sitting down, lying down, on stairs, on concrete, in class, and with her eyes open. Please keep an eye out for her during concerts.

Kerrie Zhu

Kerrie is a junior violinist in Dunster, studying Economics and Psychology.

Viola

Jia Choi

Jia is a first-year violist living in Straus, currently undecided about her concentration. Her musical loyalties lie with Richard Strauss, particularly Death and Transfiguration, and Beethoven’s late string quartets. Outside of HRO, she enjoys writing, midnight snacks, and long drives with friends while listening to music. She’s also a devoted fan of fried chicken and Pocari Sweat, a Korean sports drink that deserves a place in every musician’s rehearsal bag.

Esther Clayton

Esther is a senior violist in Eliot and PAF for Hollis North (HN on top!). A Molecular and Cellular Biology concentrator, she has resigned herself to a future of PSET misery. She is also actively preparing for retirement and can be seen at any time of day or night with a set of yarn and needles either in her hands or close nearby.

Isabel Dean

Isabel Dean sailed to HRO on a raft from: Turramurra, Sydney, NSW, Australia, Oceania, Earth. (Universe)

Liv Ding

Liv is a first-year violist living in Canaday. When she isn't talking to Schrodinger's rats (she hasn't seen one yet, though her dorm is allegedly infested), you can find her thinking up jokes, going for "runs" which are actually glorified speedwalks because she's so slow, or listening to Schoenberg's Verklarte Nacht.

Ben Fortuin

Ben is a senior violist in Winthrop studying Physics and Philosophy. Outside of HRO, he also plays for Pops, HRDC pits, and anything that wants mediocre viola playing. In his old age, he’s discovered a love for HUDS apple jacks, english muffins, and black coffee. Ben is also very proud of his unhinged Strava and Beli posts.

Iris Hur

Iris is a junior violist in Mather House studying Economics and Government and also pursuing a dual-degree in viola performance at the New England Conservatory. When she’s not in class or in rehearsal, you can catch her finding new ways to aggressively spend her BoardPlus and cafe hopping.

Ana Isabel Cardona Izquiel

Ana is a junior violist in Kirkland concentrating in English and HRO’s Social Director. Hailing from Venezuela, she enjoys journaling, sleeping well into the afternoon, and an unhealthy addiction to Pure Leaf Lemon Tea. Ask her for book suggestions!

Catherine Ji

Catherine is a freshman violist.

Jihyo Kim

Jihyo is a sophomore violist in Dunster studying Biomedical Engineering and Mathematics. Outside of HRO, she plays clarinet and bass guitar, and she also enjoys boxing. She’s famously devoted to Greek yogurt and cannot go a day without it.

Juhee Kim

Juhee (also known as most performative man (?) in Boston) is a junior violist in Mather, concentrating in Integrative Biology with a citation in Mandarin Chinese. Outside of HRO, she is most likely getting dragged by Joylyn to make financially irresponsible decisions (MollyTea) and flaunting her Chinese at Malatang owners. Juhee’s favorite pastime activity is confusing people with where she is originally from.

Philemon Kuo

Philemon is a first-year violist living in Holworthy, considering a concentration in Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry. A die-hard Mendelssohn fan and bubble tea lover, he spends his late nights solving cryptic crosswords and variant sudokus, presumably because regular puzzles aren't challenging enough. In the mornings, he enjoys listening to classical music or musical theater soundtracks, preferably accompanied by something crunchy and savory!

Edward Lee

Edward is a first-year violist living in Wigglesworth, interested in studying Economics and Sociology on a pre-law track. A lover of Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony, Coke Zero, and boom bap, he can often be found playing late-night pickleball or heading to Annenberg for early-morning tofu scramble. If anyone is looking for a pickleball partner, Edward would very much like you to know that he is available.

Graham Lee

Graham is a junior violist in Dunster, originally from Boston. He is concentrating in History with a secondary in Classics. He also writes for The Crimson on occasion and is a proud member of the Dunster Intramural Squash Team.

Sophia Nam

Sophia is a sophomore violist living in Leverett considering Economics or Government and leaning toward pre-law or consulting. She enjoys coffee, watching K-dramas, and taking quiet nights to recharge.

Isabelle Son

Isabelle is a freshman violist living in Wigglesworth. She loves long runs, listening to Sade, and, ideally, listening to Sade on a long run. She's always listening to songs ironically (“Who’s calling my phone?”) to the point where it MIGHT not be ironic anymore. Outside of that, she can be found reading a good psychological thriller, zenned out in a hot yoga class, or hanging out with friends. She'd also like to note that her greatest achievement is winning a kid’s triathlon at 13–which, yes, she will absolutely still bring up. She spent her last summer in the Boston area for camp, and she's excited to bring back runs by the Charles River, Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia every night, and, of course, Trader Joe's snack runs. She's obsessed with Beli and is always trying new spots or adding to her list. Her absolute favorite food is Thanksgiving dinner.

Masako Yang

Masako is a senior from California in Adams studying materials science & engineering. Outside of HRO, she enjoys being… outside, and also karate, and squashing fall leaves under her bike tires. If you find her, you'll likewise find crunchy morsels from Trader Joe's.

April Zhang

April is a junior violist in Lowell concentrating in Computer Science and Government. She is an avid apple cider enjoyer and can normally be found searching stores for Martinelli’s while pretending flannels are apt substitutes for jackets.

Cello

Samuel Cao

Samuel is a first-year cellist living in Hollis. Coming from Philadelphia, PA, he is a huge Philly sports fan (go birds!), and he enjoys spending his free time taking long walks in Harvard Yard and trying out hobbies with friends. He is a member of the Brattle Street Chamber Players and loves playing tons of chamber music.

Jack Damon

Jack is a junior in Eliot House (a.k.a. Leonard Bernstein's house, not to brag) pursuing a joint concentration in Linguistics and Math with a secondary in Music (yes, he wants to be a musician, but he needs at least one degree that doesn't guarantee his unemployment). He is also a dual-degree student studying Composition at NEC. When he’s not busy studying his good pals Hugo Riemann and Bernhard Riemann (who are actually not related); playing in HRO, Baroque, and Brattle; singing at 8 AM four times a week as a Ferris Choral Fellow of UChoir; rambling about Saint-Saëns and Hindemith's film scores at WHRB; constantly recruiting HRO musicians to play in all the ambitious ad hoc concert projects he’s conducting (look out for “Performance Opportunity” in your inbox!); or doing whatever else he naively decides to overload his schedule with, he can be found guessing the Mahler or Sibelius symphony from one note, annoying people with perfect pitch, adding too many parentheticals and quasi-Ciceronian (near-)run-on-sentences in his essays (as you definitely can tell by now), and conducting the non-stop music in his head when walking across campus.

Chloe Dong

Chloe is a sophomore living in Cabot and is, once again, coming to terms with her reality. Her latest reviewer (fellow cellist NF’29) calls her “disaffected, but in a charming way.” She is glad this guise is working.

Noah Ferris

Noah is a sophomore cellist living in Cabot and studying Comparative Literature and Economics. He also studies at New England Conservatory. His latest reviewer CD ’29 called him “charming, but in a disaffected way.” He disagrees, feeling quite affected by Beethoven and green grapes.

Eliot Flowers

Eliot is a first-year cellist living in Matthews and currently undecided about his concentration. A Ravel enthusiast and boba lover, he enjoys spending his late nights playing cards and other games with friends. When he’s not practicing or enjoying a competitive game night, you might catch him taking an early morning walk, preferably with some BBQ chips waiting for him afterward.

Maya Fu

Maya is a sophomore cellist living in Greenough studying Sociology. She’s a Beethoven fan who loves an ice cream run, has strong snack preferences, and is currently a writer for the Crimson.

Caleb Graupera

Caleb is a junior cellist living in Dunster, and he studies Social Studies. He is HRO’s Vice President and previously served as Publicity Director, back when he got to write these bios. He misses the power.

Matthew Ho

Matthew is a first-year cellist living in Greenough, considering Computer Science or Statistics. He’s also enrolled in the Harvard and New England Conservatory Dual Degree Program with Paul Katz. His favorite composer is Beethoven. His favorite late-night activity is listening to Beethoven string quartets. His favorite early-morning activity, on the rare occasion that he’s awake, is also listening to Beethoven string quartets. When he’s not thinking about Beethoven, he’s probably sight-reading chamber music with friends or eating slightly undercooked Maruchan ramen. Did we mention he likes Beethoven?

Sophia Hwang

Sophia is a sophomore cellist living in Dunster studying Electrical Engineering with a secondary in Math or Computer Science and is interested in computer hardware. She is a self-proclaimed matcha connoisseur and foodie and loves making new drinks for her friends.

Elizabeth Jones

Elizabeth is a senior cellist in Eliot concentrating in History of Art and Architecture with a secondary in Mind, Brain, and Behavior. She’s also studying Cello Performance at the New England Conservatory and serves as HRO’s Publicity Director! You’ll either a) catch her staring at paintings in the Art Museum or b) never see her because she’s always practicing.

Evelyn Juong

Evelyn is a first-year cellist living in Mower, considering Social Studies or Government. A lover of Schumann, cats, and hojicha lattes, she spends her evenings reading and occasionally goes on morning runs along the Charles. Evelyn is also pursuing a dual degree in Cello Performance at the New England Conservatory!

Andrew Kim

Andrew is a sophomore cellist living in Quincy, interested in studying Applied Math and Economics. He serves as Treasurer of HRO. When he’s not practicing, he is an avid sports fan, staying very loyal to his teams (Go Lakers).

Peter Moon

Peter is a first-year cellist living in Wigglesworth, considering Chemical and Physical Biology and Economics. When he’s not listening to Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben, you can find him at the gym in the morning, grinding a niche skill out, or taking late-night walks with friends. He also enjoys brown sugar boba with strong opinions about the ideal snack combination: pita chips and hummus or BBQ Honey Twist Fritos.

Elizabeth Norris

Elizabeth Norris is a senior in Quincy studying Music and Neuroscience with a secondary in Mind Brain Behavior. A Rochester, NY native, she really loves Wegmans and when it snows. Outside of HRO, she is involved in Brattle Street Chamber Players, PBHA, peer counseling, and club tennis.

Kobby Owusu

Kobby is a senior cellist in Kirkland concentrating in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Music and was also HRO’s Social Director. Outside of HRO, he is a member of the Brattle Street Chamber Players and Omo Naija x Wahala Boys dance troupe. A premed student, Kobby plans to work in urgent care which is ironic considering he has no sense of urgency whatsoever.

Hayden Ren

Hayden is a first-year cellist living in Grays and currently undecided about her concentration. She loves Chopin, late-night food runs, sleeping in, and snacking on lychee jelly and Popcorners. Although she technically needs glasses, she has decided that wearing them is optional. She has also dabbled in the erhu and piano, proving that one string instrument simply isn’t enough.

Justin Shaw

Justin is a senior cellist in Leverett House concentrating in Human Evolutionary Biology. He previously served as HRO Tour Director for the 2026 Japan Tour. Outside of HRO, he conducts research on campus, runs by the Charles (training for the 2027 Boston Marathon!), and serves on Leverett’s HoCo.

Brody Van Wave

Brody is a sophomore cellist living in Lowell. He enjoys relaxing with his favorite shows, keeping a steady morning routine when possible, and having reliable snacks on hand.

Bass

Emma Chen

Emma is a first-year double bassist living in Thayer and considering Molecular and Cellular Biology. She REALLY likes Shostakovich, Annenberg iced tea, Goldfish, and sleeping, regardless of the time of day. She also enjoys pickles but not vinegar chips, biology but not chemistry, and owns what she estimates to be a 64th-percentile jacket collection. If anyone can explain these contradictions, she’d probably appreciate it. Or perhaps she’d rather be sleeping.

Sonia Le

Sonia is a sophomore double bassist living in Lowell and is considering concentrating in Chemistry and Chemical Biology. She enjoys baking and discovering new cafes. Her special talent is being able to fall asleep during rehearsal.

Ben Witzel

Ben is a senior double bassist living in Winthrop and concentrating in Computer Science. He loves Cheez-its, thin mints, coffee, and rewatching How I Met Your Mother.

Abraham Zepeta

Abraham is a first-year double bassist living in Wigglesworth, planning to study Environmental Science and Public Policy. Originally a violinist, he switched to double bass in ninth grade and largely taught himself. A passionate conductor and composer, Abraham loves sharing music with younger students and giving back to his community. Outside of HRO, he’s involved in everything from the Harvard Outing Club to local politics, and enjoys late-night conversations, horchata, and cucumbers with Tajín. His favorite piece is Juventino Rosas’s Sobre las olas, though he’s always excited to discover new music and perspectives!

Flute

Oriana Huang

Oriana is a first-year flutist living in Wigglesworth, hoping to study Comparative Literature while exploring Government and Psychology. A lover of Sibelius and Dvořák, she’s slightly disappointed that neither composer left behind much solo flute repertoire. Outside of HRO, she enjoys early morning walks along the Charles, trips to the MAC, and embarking on spontaneous sidequests, all of which are thoroughly documented on her increasingly full camera roll. She’s also trilingual, speaking English, Mandarin, and Spanish, and proudly maintains her Australian-influenced spelling. Her greatest challenge at Harvard so far? Resisting the temptation to spend all her money on Mass Ave snacks and iced oat milk matcha.

Shane Komeji

Shane is a junior flutist in Quincy studying Physics and HisSci! A fan of Prokofiev, Shane is always down for any snack from HMart. When he’s not busy with rehearsals or studying, you can find him tapping away with the Harvard Undergraduate Tap Company!

Carolyn Lau

Carolyn is a senior flutist living in Lowell and concentrating in Economics and Government! She loves eating Asian food and coffee. If you’re ever looking for her, you can probably find her in Lowell underground, at a boba shop, watching Dance Moms, or hopefully going to the gym.

Jayden Lee

Jayden is a sophomore flutist in Leverett House studying history and government and pursuing a dual degree with the New England Conservatory. When he’s not being introduced to yet another matcha place, Jayden finds time for scenic runs, crossword puzzles, being a self-described “national parks buff,” and studying to be a sommelier (in theory). He continues to explore the parallels between law and conducting and remains convinced that most of life’s problems can be solved with better phrasing—musical or otherwise.

Ray Moon

Ray is a sophomore in Quincy studying Bioengineering and pursuing the Harvard/NEC Dual Degree program. He is an avid follower of music competitions and enjoys playing violin repertoire on the flute. He can be found commuting between the Science Center and the SEC during the weekdays.

Koh Nasu

Koh is a first-year flutist living in Matthews, considering Applied Mathematics or Computer Science with an interest in Mind, Brain, and Behavior. His musical tastes span Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Bizet, Doppler, and Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances. Outside of HRO, he enjoys late-night conversations and psets with friends. His favorite drink is water, proving that sometimes the simplest choice really is the best one.

Oboe

Kaitlyn Choi

Kaitlyn is a junior in Dunster concentrating in Economics and History. This gummy bear and lemonade lover plays the oboe and is dabbling with the idea of law school post-graduation. If it’s a late night, Kaitlyn loves watching movies, and if it’s early in the a.m.s, you can find her on serene walks.

Yul Kim

Yul (like Christmas) is a second-year oboist living in Leverett, concentrating in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy. He’s a fan of Richard Strauss and enjoys late-night conversations with friends, exploring the tunnels, and finding good places to eat around Boston.

Kalman Levitin

Kalman is a first-year oboist living in Matthews and currently undecided about his concentration. He’s also pursuing a dual degree at the New England Conservatory, where he finds time to compose and play jazz saxophone. A fan of Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, Kalman enjoys late-night jam sessions, food, and lengthy conversations with friends. His mornings are preferably spent sleeping, and his snack preferences include Chester’s Flamin’ Hot Fries and licorice. He may also find himself involved in jazz combos or pit orchestras!

Puyuan Ye
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Puyuan is a senior oboist from Shanghai, China now living in Leverett studying Computer Science. His favorite composer is Antonio Pasculli, and is thus referred to as "the Pasculli kid" by his oboe teacher. The Pasculli kid is additionally passionate about soccer, badminton, sleeping, video games, and lemonade.

Clarinet

Louis Auxenfans
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Louis is a senior clarinetist in Currier studying Economics and Statistics. He loves drinking copious amounts of earl gray tea with milk, hanging out with friends and following the markets like a finance bro. He has dreams of someday becoming a conductor a lá Bernstein, but they’re not as fantastical as his eternal optimism that his soccer team, Tottenham Hotspur, will not get relegated :)

Cadee Lee

Cadee is a senior clarinetist in Leverett with a joint concentration in Neuroscience and Music. Outside of HRO, she loves cafe hopping and filling her camera roll with too many photos for her storage to handle.

Costanza Pascuzzi

Costanza is a freshman clarinettist living in Grays, intending to concentrate in English and Economics. Outside of her studies, she enjoys drawing, spending time with friends, and studying fashion.

Michael Shi

Michael is a first-year clarinetist living in Weld, planning to study Mechanical Engineering. His favorite composer is Weber. In fact, according to Michael, Weber is the ONLY composer worth listening to. When he’s not enjoying Weber, he’s probably identifying violin concertos from three-second excerpts, eating spicy Doritos, or drinking Prime. He also likes apples and waking up in the morning, two remarkably reasonable preferences for someone with such uncompromising musical opinions.

Bassoon

Joseph Juhasz

Joseph is a sophomore bassoonist living in Lowell. He enjoys Romantic-era symphonic music, especially works by Wagner, Strauss, and Bruckner. He also enjoys playing on good reeds more than trying to make them.

Benjamin Killip-Leonard

Benjamin is a sophomore bassoonist living in Leverett concentrating in Physics (or maybe math, or music; he’s still got to make up his mind). When not trying to make his reeds work (it's a never ending struggle), he can be found attempting physics research, listening to Beethoven, hanging out with friends, or learning clarinet for the band (hopefully it’s easier than bassoon).

Zachary Piesner

Zach is a junior bassoon player in Currier from LA. He is the self-proclaimed #1 Smash Bros player at Harvard (accepting challenges). He is also a fencer on the varsity fencing team. If you want to go on a sidequest, hit him up (seriously any sidequest).

Smera Sachin

Smera is a sophomore bassoonist from Cambridge (the other one), now living in Quincy studying Computer Science and Physics. She enjoys good tea, loves Ravel, and is at her happiest when eating good food.

Grace Yoon

Grace is a first-year bassoonist living in Matthews, planning to study Economics. A Tchaikovsky enthusiast and Diet Coke devotee, she enjoys yoga in the mornings and negotiating aggressively on Depop late into the night. Between her Economics interests and resale negotiations, she’s already getting plenty of practical experience in market dynamics.

Aidan Zhang

Aidan is a first-year bassoonist living in Matthews, planning to concentrate in Neuroscience and Philosophy. His favorite orchestral work is Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, and he enjoys reading late into the night with a bag of bagel chips nearby. Unlike many of his fellow freshmen, Aidan’s favorite early-morning activity is showering, and his drink of choice is Annenberg’s iced green tea.

Madeline Zhang

Madeline is a sophomore bassoonist in Eliot studying on the pre-med track. Outside of HRO, you might hear her playing in the pit orchestra for various shows on campus, or find her catching Pokémon while waiting for the bus to NEC. She enjoys listening to Shostakovich, Rachmaninoff, Ravel, and slime ASMR.

Horn

Isabelle Lee

Isabelle Lee is a senior horn player in Quincy House studying Human Developmental Regenerative Development Regenerativable Something More Science Words Biology. She plays the French Horn ok. Yeah she’s ok at it. She enjoys sitting on the m2 shuttle for extended periods of time.

Theo Silio

Theo is a first-year horn player living in Weld, considering Economics and Music. His favorite work is Strauss’s Die Frau ohne Schatten, a preference he feels VERY strongly about. Outside of HRO, he sings in University Choir, enjoys late-night eating, and has a deep appreciation for spicy peanuts. He’s also a die-hard water fan and enjoys snoozing his alarm for approximately an hour every morning. We can only hope he responds to Fed’s downbeats more promptly than his phone alarms.

Cecilia Xu

Cecilia is a first-year French horn player living in Matthews Hall planning to concentrate in Economics and Social Studies! Hailing from Australia, Cecilia loves a good flat white (specifically Australian coffee, because apparently American coffee tastes like water), and her all-time favorite piece is Franz Strauss’s Theme and Variations for Horn and Piano! Whether it’s late at night or early in the morning, you can find her chatting with friends on the steps of Widener Library, preferably with some Aussie Tim Tams in hand!

Tony Xu

Tony is a horn player pursuing a PhD in Applied Math. Outside of rehearsal, he can be found waiting for a rack at Hemenway, and he loves every Mahler symphony.

Trumpet

Catherine Li

Catherine is a senior trumpetist originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan now living in Kirkland and concentrating in Electrical Engineering. Her favorite weather is 65 degrees and sunny, and she loves country music, the outdoors, as well as types of potato chip and seltzer. Catherine is also a member of Harvard’s varsity sailing team, and if you look close enough, you might find her on the verge of capsizing into the Charles.

Rex Li

Rex is a first-year trumpet player living in Weld, planning to study Economics. A devoted Stevie Wonder listener, he’s also developed a rather unusual dining schedule: multiple times a week, he visits Felipe’s at precisely 3 PM, comfortably between lunch and dinner. Whether this constitutes a late lunch, an early dinner, or an entirely separate meal remains unclear. Whatever the answer, Rex seems to have figured out something the rest of us haven’t.

Ben Lyczkowski

Ben is a junior trumpet player in Dunster. Hailing from the distant lands of Concord, MA, Ben is a trumpet player. As a trumpet player, during rehearsal, he can be found causing a ruckus in the brass section, in which he plays the trumpet. Ben Lyczkowski plays the instrument formally known as the trumpet. Also, trumpet is an instrument played by Benjamin Aaron Lyczkowski.

Diogo Muggiati-Feldman

Diogo is a sophomore trumpet player living in Pfoho studying Mechanical Engineering with a secondary in Chemistry and is interested in graduate school. He has been playing trumpet for eleven years, loves Ravel, and is always up for pizza.

Trombone

Samuel Jacobowitz

Samuel is a sophomore trombonist living in Canaday studying Government and interested in business. He enjoys spending time with friends, staying engaged through campus groups like Harvard Ventures and the IOP, and listening to Stravinsky.

Anthony Luo

Anthony Luo is a first-year trombonist living in Canaday interested in Social Studies or Government. He loves listening to Mahler, obsessing over movies and TV, and spending time in the outdoors.

Tuba

Ben Arthurs

Ben is a senior in Pfoho studying Astrophysics who plays the tuba. He is accepting bets on how much of the music he gets to play this year. Over/under 15%?

Piano

Kai Deshima

Kai is a sophomore pianist living in Kirkland concentrating in Government and East Asian Studies. When he isn't staring at tacets during rehearsal, he can be found in the dhall or in the libraries working on psets due in hours. He loves Mahler and Chopin, and wants to learn the organ but hasn't gotten around to it yet. There's a high likelihood that he'll be buying and saving points for boba from Ten One with his friends (thank you Christian) in his free time.

Harp

Mina Bracher

Mina is a first-year harpist living in Matthews, planning to study Astrophysics. A Tchaikovsky and Mahler enthusiast, she enjoys hot chocolate, Reese’s Cups, and sleeping through breakfast. Outside of HRO, she can be found eating her way through Harvard square, curating playlists for ultra-specific scenarios, or wrestling with a never ending list of psets due. When she’s not studying distant galaxies, there’s a good chance you will find her indulging in a brownie by the Charles.

Jolene Cao

Jolene is a sophomore harpist living in Eliot studying Statistics with a secondary in Computer Science. She loves Scheherazade, enjoys walking and spending time with friends, and also figure skates in the Harvard University Figure Skating Club.

Olivia Lee

Olivia is a sophomore harpist living in Cabot, interested in studying chemistry and music on a pre-med track. She loves Ravel and Debussy, and she’s happiest spending time with friends and finding the best matcha in Cambridge.

Percussion

Rishab Jain

Rishab is a second year percussionist living in Quincy and planning to concentrate in Applied Mathematics and Economics. He spends his free time working out, cooking vegan food, and watching the Ravens dominate the AFC north.

Logan Kneller

Logan is a first-year percussionist living in Wigglesworth, planning to study Computer Science and Applied Mathematics. A Paul Hindemith enthusiast, he balances his musical interests with early-morning workouts and late-night Netflix binges. His favorite drink is orange juice, and his snack of choice is popcorn, presumably the perfect accompaniment to whatever show he’s currently watching. With this schedule, we’re hoping he manages to fit some sleep in between episodes.

Ryan Lopez

Ryan is a junior percussionist living in Lowell, concentrating in English and Psychology. During rehearsal, he likes to munch on honey butter chips and daydream of a day when Fed will decide to program Stravinsky.

Christian Ogata

Christian is a sophomore percussionist living in Winthrop studying Chemistry and History. He loves to whistle the melodies of Ravel, keeps his caffeination up with U.C.C. Kona Coffee, discovers Period 6 music through WHRB, and loves whacking things without abandon. As Creative Director, Christian is battling loads of emails, but will accept donations in the form of chocolate, without which he cannot survive.

Joshua Qin

Joshua is a junior percussionist in Dunster planning to concentrate in Statistics and Computer Science. Outside of HRO, Joshua is additionally involved in AADT. When he’s not playing basketball, visiting art museums, or going on late-night hikes with friends, he can most definitely be found in DeWolfe with a matcha latte in hand.

Student
Conductor

Moshi Tang

HRO

Federico Cortese, Music Director

HRO members: Season 219

Season 217 coming soon!

Violin

Viola

Cello

Bass

Flute

Oboe

Clarinet

Bassoon

Horn

Trumpet

Trombone

Tuba

Piano

Harp

Percussion

Student
Conductor

Federico Cortese, Music Director

HRO members: Season 219

Season 217 coming soon!

Violin

Viola

Cello

Bass

Flute

Oboe

Clarinet

Bassoon

Horn

Trumpet

Trombone

Tuba

Piano

Harp

Percussion

StudentConductor

Student
Conductor