Rachel Susser, a junior at Barnard College, studies flute with Linda Chesis through the Manhattan School of Music cross-registration program. In addition to NYYS Orchestra program, she performs with the Columbia University Orchestra, Broadway Bach Ensemble, and several chamber ensembles. Rachel has appeared as a concerto soloist with the West Point Band, the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, and the SUNY New Paltz College/Youth Symphony. She is the current student liaison on the board of the New York Flute Club.

“The repertoire of this orchestra and the talent of the musicians involved have been two of the highlights of my experience so far. I have been keeping a list of “pieces I must play before I die” for the past few years, and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet is the first composition from that list I have had the opportunity to play” Rachel said. “It was such a privilege to play that piece in Carnegie with a conductor whom you can really tell just loves the music. His energy is contagious, and it is obvious that when he pushes us, it is because he cares deeply.”