Kathleen Balfe, principal cello

Kathleen Balfe has lived in Spain since 2003, where she has built a multifaceted career and developed a variety of styles as a soloist and as a member of various ensembles. A principal cellist of the City of Granada Orchestra between 2007 and 2022 and principal cellist of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra since 2024, she also has been a guest principal cellist with the Royal Orchestra of Seville and the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra.

Kathleen has performed as a soloist on numerous occasions including the premiere of the opera La Bella Susona by Alberto Carretero with the ROSS, the premiere of Kammerkonzert no.2 by Miguel Gálvez-Taroncher with the OCG conducted by José Ramón Encinar, Sinfonia Concertante by Prokofiev with the New World Symphony conducted by Alasdair Neale, and the arrangement/reconstruction of Debussy’s Suite para Violonchelo by Sally Beamish with the OCG conducted by Joseph Swensen.

As a founding member of the Ensemble NeoArs Sonora, she  performed in numerous festivals such as Córdoba XX Festival de Música Contemporánea, Festival de Música Española Manuel de Falla en Cádiz, Festival de Música Clásica en el Escorial, Festival de Bernaola, Quincena Musical de San Sebastián, Jornadas de Música Contemporánea de Sevilla, el Ciclo de Música Contemporánea del Centro Guerrero y el Festival Internacional de Música y Danza de Granada.

Ms. Balfe has collaborated as a chamber musician with the Benaïm Quartet, the Quantum Ensemble, Messiaen Ensemble and the Taller Atlántico, among others. Currently she is a founding member of the Íkaro String Quartet on the island of Tenerife where she is based.

Kathleen Balfe can be heard on Verso, Bis y RCA Records as a member of different groups.

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Website: https://cellobalfe.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cellobalfe/

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Johanna Borenstein, principal flute

Johanna Borenstein is an active orchestral and studio musician in Los Angeles and Principal Flute of the Modesto Symphony. She frequently plays with LA Opera, Pasadena Symphony, Pacific Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Santa Barbara Symphony and Long Beach Symphony. As a studio musician she has been on movies such as Star Wars IX, Call of the Wild, The Mandalorian, Spies in Disguise, The Grinch, The Greatest Showman, Family Guy among many others. Johanna holds degrees from The Hartt School of Music, San Francisco Conservatory and The Colburn School. She has studied with John Wion, Tim Day and Jim Walker. Since the pandemic Johanna has started a small business making one of a kind Suncatchers, her store Crystal Dracorium is on Etsy. 

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-borenstein-69257a15

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Performances

Samuel Wamhoff, principal trombone

A native of Fresno, California, Samuel Wamhoff grew up in a musical family, with his father serving as a dedicated music teacher. This early exposure to the arts laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for music. Samuel earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from San Jose State University in 2016, where he honed his craft as a trombonist under the guidance of distinguished mentors.

Samuel’s professional journey began as the Acting Second Trombone of the San Diego Symphony during the 2017–2018 season. This role showcased his exceptional talent and led to an opportunity to serve as a Trombonist in the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West from 2018 to 2023. During his time with the USAF Band, Samuel performed across the country, captivating audiences with his artistry and precision while representing the Air Force’s proud musical tradition.

In 2022, Samuel joined the Stockton Symphony as Second Trombone, where his skill and dedication earned him a reputation as a cornerstone of the orchestra’s low brass section. In 2024, he was appointed Principal Trombone of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, a role that highlights his commitment to artistic excellence and leadership within the ensemble. The very next day, Samuel also became Second Trombone of the San Francisco Opera, where he contributes to one of the nation’s premier opera companies, performing in critically acclaimed productions.

In addition to his orchestral work, Samuel has extensive experience performing with renowned ensembles, including the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra and other symphonies throughout California. His versatility as a performer spans classical masterworks, contemporary compositions, and chamber music, making him a sought-after collaborator and educator.

Outside of the concert hall, Samuel builds custom trombones, combining his craftsmanship with his deep understanding of brass performance. He is also an active mountain biker, enjoying the thrill of exploring rugged trails and staying connected to nature. Samuel is passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians and draws from his father’s legacy as a music teacher to cultivate creativity and dedication in his students.

Samuel is honored to serve as Principal Trombone of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra and Second Trombone of the San Francisco Opera, dedicating his artistry to both organizations’ rich legacies of musical excellence.

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