Melodies of America Concert by Collegium Musicum New York
Presented by Collegium Musicum New York
Saturday, May 23, 2026, 1:00 PM
Good Shepherd-Faith Presbyterian Church
(152 W 66th St, New York, NY 10023)
Tickets: $30
Join Collegium Musicum New York for an inspiring evening celebrating the spirit and stories of America through music, featuring Coleridge-Taylor’s Hiawatha Overture, Bernstein’s West Side Story Overture, and Dvořák’s beloved Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.”
From vibrant energy to sweeping lyricism, this program reflects the beauty of the nature, diversity, hope, and imagination that continue to shape the American experience.
*Dress code: blue, red, white
▲ Program
Coleridge-Taylor: Hiawatha Overture
Bernstein: West Side Story Overture
Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”
▲ Collegium Musicum New York
Collegium Musicum New York empowers musicians to keep dreaming big.
In a city filled with extraordinary talent and ambition, Collegium Musicum New York offers emerging musicians something essential: a place to belong and bloom. Through shared music-making, we foster growth, connection, and artistic confidence—supporting musicians as they navigate the path from training to professional life. Together, we continue to dream, create, and inspire.
For more information, visit https://www.collegiummusicumny.com/
▲ Elle Sunmin Lee
Elle Sunmin Lee is a conductor recognized for her expressive musicality, refined conducting technique, dynamic podium presence, and deeply collaborative leadership.
She currently serves as Assistant Conductor of the Helena Symphony and is the Founding Artistic Director of Collegium Musicum New York, where she leads ambitious symphonic programming with early-career professional musicians. Recent engagements include serving as a conducting fellow with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and conductor of the New York Mixed Chorus; assistant conductor positions with the Vienna Opera Festival and Chicago Summer Opera; guest conducting the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”; and winning the Denver Philharmonic International Conducting Competition.
Her broad artistic background encompasses symphonic, operatic, choral, and ballet repertoire, reflecting a musical foundation shaped by both intellectual rigor and physical sensitivity to movement and gesture. This versatility informs her nuanced approach to sound, pacing, and orchestral color.
A passionate advocate for music education and community engagement, Lee is committed to expanding the relevance of classical music in contemporary society. She views the orchestra not only as an artistic institution, but as a living community—one capable of fostering empathy, dialogue, and shared human experience.
▲ Performers
Conductor – Elle Sunmin Lee
Flute
- Juan Carlos Narvaez (Principal Flute)
- Natalie Ward
- Zach Hicks-Wetter
Oboe
- Kamil Tarnawczyk (Principal Oboe)
- Mandy Dunway
Clarinet
- Chris Miley (Principal Clarinet)
- Averie Testerman
- Marilyn Farias
Bassoon
- Nadia Ingalls (Principal Bassoon)
- Connor Kim
- Emilija Irvin
French Horn
- Sarah Boxmeyer
- Jaxon St.Clair
- Noah Fotis
- Alexandra Partridge
Trumpet
- Mitch Gibbs (Principal Trumpet)
- Ethan Adams
Trombone
- Paul Brodhead (Principal Trombone)
- Jonathan Lee
Tuba
- John Gray
Percussion
- Peter Saleh
Piano
- Peter Fancovic
Violins
- Kelsey Philbrick (Concertmaster)
- Ethan Forman (Assistant Concertmaster)
- Dan McCaffrey (Principal second)
- Charlie Kanne
- Garyfallia Kerkezou
- Nick Pauly
Viola
- Dora Vanyai (Principal Viola)
- Benjamin Povman
- Patrick Shelc
- Matthew Ryan
Cello
- Nicholas Mirabile (Principal Cello)
Bass
- Dan Parra (Principal Bass)