The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) based in Washington, D.C. has revealed the appointment of five new members set to join the orchestra for the 2025/26 season. These musicians include a Second Assistant Concertmaster, an Assistant Principal Viola, and an Assistant Principal Cello, among others.
Xiaoxuan Shi has been named as the Second Assistant Concertmaster. Previously part of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, Shi is an alumna of The Juilliard School, Yale School of Music, and Singapore’s Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music. Her primary instructors have included notable figures such as Qian Zhou, Catherine Cho, Hyo Kang, Glenn Dicterow, and Lisa Kim. Shi’s accolades include laureate awards at the Singapore International Violin Competition, the Adelphi Orchestra Young Artist Competition, the Vivo International Music Competition in New York, the Guangya Invitational Violin Competition, and China National Youth Violin Competition.
Dana Kelley has been appointed Assistant Principal Viola. Kelley is an accomplished musician who has earned top prizes at the Sphinx Music Competition, Irving M. Klein International String Competition, M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition, and the Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition. She is also currently a member of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble.
Raymond Tsai, a recent graduate from the University of Michigan where he studied under Richard Aaron, will take on the role of Assistant Principal Cello. Tsai has participated in prestigious fellowships at the Pacific and Tanglewood music festivals and has recorded the complete 12 Piatti caprices.
Noah Krauss joins the cello section after serving as Assistant Principal Cello for the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. A Juilliard School graduate, Krauss was co-principal cellist of the Juilliard Orchestra and studied primarily with Timothy Eddy. He has performed at prominent festivals including Ravinia Steans Music Institute, Tanglewood Music Center, Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival, and the Taos School of Music.
Michail Thompson has been named Second Trumpet. Thompson has an extensive orchestral background having performed with the London Symphony Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony, Opera, and Ballet. He is a past winner of the Vincent Bach Trumpet Competition and a finalist in the National Trumpet Competition. Thompson’s education includes studying with Barbara Butler at Rice University and Adam Luftman at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Jean Davidson, Executive Director of the National Symphony Orchestra, expressed enthusiasm over the new hires: “We are thrilled to welcome these five remarkable musicians to the National Symphony Orchestra. Each brings not only exceptional artistry and technical skill, but also a deep passion for connecting with audiences. Their arrival also reflects our ongoing commitment to making world-class music accessible to all – at the Kennedy Center and through programs that bring the NSO to every corner of our community.”
NSO Music Director Gianandrea Noseda added, “As I begin my ninth season as Music Director of the NSO, I am delighted to welcome five new artists to our orchestra. I feel a deep responsibility to secure the future of the NSO by bringing in musicians who will help preserve and further develop the orchestra’s unique sound and tradition. The arrival of new members is always a source of excitement, joy, and anticipation for all of us.”
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
