The MinnOrch Five: Meet Our New Musicians

Originally from Duluth, Mike Alexander (third horn) most recently served as third horn of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and, prior to that, principal horn of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra. For a decade, Alexander was an active member of the Twin Cities' freelance music community, performing for ballet, choral and opera productions, as well as Broadway shows and a range of notable acts from The Who to Weird Al Yankovic. He also performed regularly with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra. Alexander earned a bachelor's degree and performer's certificate from the Eastman School of Music in 2011 and a master's degree from the New England Conservatory in 2014. 

Favorite composer: Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler

Currently streaming: Taskmaster and The Prisoner

Currently reading: Trust by Hernan Diaz and Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher

Abraham Feder (cello) was appointed to his new role as a full-time member of the Minnesota Orchestra cello section in May 2026. Previously he served as assistant principal cello of the Detroit Symphony (2018-24), a member of the Dallas Symphony (2016-2018) and as assistant principal cello of the Sante Fe Opera in the summer of 2018. Beginning his career as principal cellist of the Sarasota Orchestra, Feder has been a featured soloist with the Detroit Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra and Duluth Superior Symphony, among other. He earned his master's degree at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music and his bachelor of music at the Curtis Institute of Music. 

Nicholas Gallitano (viola) found his love of orchestra in high school as a member of youth orchestra in the Greater Boston area. He joins the Minnesota Orchestra after two seasons as acting section viola in the Indianapolis Symphony. He has also performed extensively with the New York Philharmonic, including tours and residencies across the United States and Asia, and has performed as guest violist of the Juilliard String Quartet. He holds degrees from the Juilliard School and Oberlin College and Conservatory. 

Favorite composer: Felix Mendelssohn 

Favorite album: Judee Sill by Judee Sill (1971)

Currently reading: I'm re-reading The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

A native of New York City, Joshua Kail (viola) began playing violin at a young age before switching to viola at 15 under the instruction of Suzanne Wagor. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Juilliard School and went on to study at the Norwegian Academy of Music with Lars Anders Tomter, where he served as an orchestral fellow with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. Since 2023 he has performed as a member of the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra. He has also served as guest principal viola of the Tampere Philharmonic and the Turku Philharmonic and performed chamber music in festivals such as the Fjord Classics, Creative Dialogue France and Music Academy of the West.

Favorite composer: Stravinsky or Brahms

Favorite album: Right now, I'm loving Hiatus Kaiyote's Choose Your Weapon

First word you associate with Minnesota: Uff da!

Currently streaming: I'm finally getting around to watching Hacks

Currently reading: Just Kids by Patti Smith

Something that excites you about living in Minnesota: Working in the Minnesota Orchestra :) and exploring the Twin Cities by bike!

Born in Seoul, Sumin Kim (assistant principal viola) began music studies on the violin. While pursuing her bachelor of music degree in violin performance, she developed a deep passion for the viola, expanding her artistic repertoire to encompass both instruments. Prior to joining the Minnesota Orchestra, Kim performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as a substitute violist and with the Philadelphia Orchestra as a substitute in both the viola and violin sections. She also served as principal viola of the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, as well as section violinist, violist and acting principal violist with the Symphony in C. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the Curtis Institute of Music and her master’s degree at the Juilliard School.  

Currently reading: The Stranger by Albert Camus. I recently made a bucket list to read the "100 Must-Read 20th Century Masterpieces," and I'm checking them off. This is my fourth book on the list.

Fist word you associate with Minnesota: Cold...? When I tell people I'm moving to Minnesota that's the very first thing everyone tells me about. I've never experienced extremely cold winter, so I'll find out more soon!

Something that excites you about living in Minnesota: It's where I'm starting my very first job. After spending 11 years on the East Coast, moving to a new region feels like opening Chapter Two.