Strengthening RMSO Leadership: New Concertmaster and Principal Cellist
The Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra is delighted to announce two significant artistic appointments for our 10th Anniversary Season. These additions reflect the depth of talent, leadership, and musical excellence that continue to shape the RMSO’s sound and future. We are pleased to introduce our new Concertmaster, Ana González, and our new Principal Cellist, Brenna Le May—both exceptional musicians whose experience, artistry, and commitment to orchestral performance will enrich our ensemble in meaningful ways.
🎼 Welcoming Our New Concertmaster: Ana González
We are thrilled to introduce Ana González as the RMSO’s new Concertmaster. A rising violinist with exceptional technical command and artistry, Ana currently studies Violin Performance at the University of Calgary, where she serves as Concertmaster of the UCalgary Orchestra, having been elevated from Associate Concertmaster thanks to her leadership and musical excellence.
Ana brings a rich background of orchestral and chamber experience, including:
Co-Concertmaster of the Calgary Youth Orchestra, performing alongside Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra musicians in side-by-side concerts
Training and festival work with international ensembles such as the PRISMA Festival Orchestra and Prague Summer Nights Festival Orchestra, performing in world-renowned venues including the Rudolfinum Concert Hall in Prague
Appearances at major Canadian and international festivals, including Tuckamore and InterHarmony
Multiple awards and recognitions, including the AMEF People’s Choice Award for strings and the Stingray Emerging Performer Award
Her combination of technical refinement, confidence, musical maturity, and orchestral leadership makes her an extraordinary addition to the RMSO as we continue our 10th Anniversary Season.
🎻 Introduction of New Principal Cellist: Brenna Le May
We are delighted to welcome Brenna Le May as the RMSO’s new Principal Cellist. Selected from a highly competitive audition process, Brenna impressed the panel with her exceptional musicality, warm tone, and strong artistic leadership. She brings a deep foundation of orchestral experience, most recently performing with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra from 2022–2025 and serving in key ensemble roles across Alberta.
Brenna is currently pursuing a Master of Music at the University of Calgary while also studying in the Advanced Performance Program at Mount Royal University, working closely with renowned cellist Beth Root Sandvoss. Her past training includes mentorship with faculty from major Canadian orchestras and extensive festival experience through programs such as InterHarmony, Centric MusicFest, and the LSO Young Artist Competition.
She has garnered numerous awards recognizing her excellence, including top placements at the Lethbridge and District Music & Speech Arts Festival, finalist positions in the AMFA Provincial Festival and LSO Young Artist Competition, and distinctions such as the Conservatory Young Artist Grant, the Denay Stash Semkuley Memorial Bursary, and multiple adjudicator awards.
With her combination of technical mastery, expressive playing, and a growing national profile, Brenna brings artistry and depth to the RMSO’s cello section. We are thrilled to welcome her as Principal Cellist for our 10th Anniversary Season.
We extend our sincere thanks to Radina Baharova-Gubeva, our Assistant Concertmaster, for graciously stepping in as Concertmaster during the transition. A dedicated member of the RMSO since Season 4, Radina brings a deep musical lineage and professional experience from her time performing in Sofia, Bulgaria. She was also the inaugural recipient of the Kim Raffin Award for Artistic Leadership, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the orchestra. Her leadership and musicianship have been greatly appreciated.
The appointments of Ana González and Brenna Le May mark an exciting chapter for the RMSO as we celebrate a decade of music-making. Their combined leadership, artistry, and dedication strengthen the artistic foundation of the orchestra and support our continued growth as an ensemble. We look forward to the musical insight and inspiration they will bring to the stage throughout this milestone season and beyond.