From Classroom to Concert Hall: Former Students Share Their Journey Performing with The Philadelphia Orchestra
January 2, 2025
Every musician dreams of performing with a world-class orchestra, but for two talented students, Maya Lindsey and Oleksandr Kashlyuk, that dream became a reality. Recently, these two musicians had the unique opportunity to step into the spotlight as substitutes with The Philadelphia Orchestra, playing among some of the finest musicians in the world. Both former members of the All-City Orchestra, they shared their experiences with us and how The Philadelphia Orchestra has impacted their musical journeys.
Oleksandr Kashlyuk
Please introduce yourself!
My name is Oleksandr Kashlyuk. I’m a bassoonist with the [United States] Air Force Band of the West.
What was your previous experience with The Philadelphia Orchestra?
I was part of the All-City Orchestra for three years, and now I’m subbing with The Philadelphia Orchestra!
Tell us about your experience with All-City Orchestra.
While I was in the All-City Orchestra, I got to perform Saint-Saëns's Symphony No. 3 and Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique under the direction of Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Bass Joseph Conyers.
How did that experience impact your musicianship?
Mr. Conyers graciously let me and a group of friends visit The Philadelphia Orchestra multiple times throughout our high school career. The Orchestra’s sound really impacted me and geared me towards this direction, to a life of music.
What’s your biggest takeaway from your experience?
One key takeaway that I got from him is to keep the music moving; it always moves either from somewhere or to somewhere else, but it always must be moving.
What does it mean to you to be performing professionally with The Philadelphia Orchestra after having participated in this program?
To make music with musicians that I've looked up to my entire life is a massive privilege and an honor, and I'm really excited to be able to do it!
Maya Lindsey
Introduce yourself!
My name is Maya Lindsey. I play the harp, and I was a part of the All-City Orchestra and the Philadelphia Orchestra Fellowship for two years.
Tell us about your experience with the program.
I’m really happy to be subbing with The Philadelphia Orchestra! Throughout the Orchestra Fellowship Program, I had the opportunity to take occasional lessons from Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Harp Elizabeth Hainen. It was also incredible to attend Philadelphia Orchestra concerts, pretty much every week, for the full two years that I was a part of the program.
How did the Orchestra Fellowship Program impact your musicianship?
This was really inspiring to me because it opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of the instrument, and of music, and it really shaped my decision to pursue music as a career. Just to be able to experience the highest level of music-making from these musicians and to see the way it moved fellow audience members, and myself, served as a constant reminder as to why I’m chasing the dream of becoming a musician.
What’s your biggest takeaway from your experience?
Being a part of the Fellowship really shaped my career path and inspired me to pursue the dream of becoming an orchestral musician myself.
What does it mean to you to be performing professionally with The Philadelphia Orchestra after having participated in this program?
It feels incredible to be playing alongside the musicians I grew up listening to, and it’s been an invaluable experience to be able to join them in rehearsals and concerts this week. Being able to witness their music-making while on stage was just incredible, and I could even hear all the nuances and see the small interactions the musicians had with each other. Also, it's such a supportive environment and it’s just been an amazing time. I’m very grateful to the Fellowship and to The Philadelphia Orchestra for supporting me in my journey!
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Thank you to Oleksandr and Maya for taking the time to speak with us! Explore all our programs that support young performers in the Philadelphia region.