Kristen Bruya has been named the Minnesota Orchestra's principal bass. Her first scheduled concerts are tomorrow and Friday, Feb, 5 and 6, when she will join the orchestra in a program featuring Dvorak's Symphony No. 9, "From the New World."
Bruya is the first principal musician the orchestra has appointed since the 15-month lockout ended in January 2014.Two other musicians have been hired since then, violinist Cecilia Belcher and bass trombonist Andrew Chappell.
Most recently the assistant principal bass with the Toronto Symphony, Bruya held that position since 2010. Before that, she was a member of the Nashville Symphony for four years. A native of Missoula, Montana, Bruya has also played with the Sante Fe Opera and various chamber groups.She also taught as an adjunct professor at the Unversity of Toronto.
"It's an honor to join the Minnesota Orchestra with its rich history," she said.
Bruya succeeds acting co-principals Matthew Frischman and Kathryn Nettleman, both still members of the bass section.
