Kyle Johnson – Viola

Kyle Johnson joined EMSO in 2018, during the orchestra’s 10th anniversary, which also coincided with Kyle’s 10-year anniversary of playing the viola. He joined EMSO because he was going to a college that didn’t have an orchestra and he wanted to keep playing. He will be graduating from college in December 2020 with a AA […]

10th Annual Side-by-Side Concert with ERHS Orchestra

10th Annual Side-By-Side Concert Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. East Ridge High School Free Admission   The East Metro Symphony Orchestra is proud to partner with the East Ridge High School Orchestra for its 10th annual Side-By-Side Concert.  This annual musical event features young high school orchestra students playing side-by-side with the seasoned […]

A Joyful Noise Oct 28

The East Metro Symphony Orchestra (EMSO) is proud to announce the first program of its tenth anniversary season. A Joyful Noise will be presented on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN. Admission to this concert is free. Free will offerings in support of […]

Stephen Thompson – Cello

Steve joined the EMSO in 2017 as a cellist.  Steve started playing cello about 15 years ago when his 8-year-old daughter started taking violin lessons with the idea that he could keep pace with her as she progressed.  They are both still playing in orchestras (but she is far better than her dad!). Steve is […]

Jim Wainwright – Cello

Jim Wainwright is the principal cellist for EMSO. He joined EMSO in 2009. He has also performed with, Roseville String Ensemble, St. Croix Valley Symphony and West Shore Symphony.    Jim’s cello was made by Mao Lin in 2000. He grew up in Muskegon, MI and currently resides in Hudson, WI with wife Lorna and […]

Mary Jane Latu – Violin

Mary Jane Latu joined EMSO during the fall of 2018. She currently works in Governance & Compliance at a tech company. She grew up in Brooklyn Park, MN, and is now living in the uptown area of Minneapolis. Spending time with family and friends brings her joy.  A message from Mary: If you’re reading this […]

Joyce Laidlaw – Clarinet

Joyce Laidlaw joined the 3M Symphony Orchestra in 1973 and continues to perform with EMSO. She is the principal clarinetist for the orchestra.  Her instrument is a Buffet R-13 clarinet. Joyce is a retired hospital laboratory scientist. She grew up in Fergus Falls, MN and now lives in St Paul. Her favorite hobbies are genealogy, […]

Joan Molloy-Violin and concertmaster

Joan Molloy Joined EMSO in 2017, serving first as a temporary concert master, and then obtaining the position beginning in the 2017-18 concert year. Joan plays a 2007 Stephano Gibartoni Violin. She works as a violinist and violin teacher She grew up in Oberlin and St Cloud, but now lives in River Falls, WI She […]

James Slegers – Viola

James Slegers has played with EMSO as a violist since 2016. Prior to EMSO, he has played in the Dordt College Chamber Orchestra, the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra, and the Iowa State Symphony. He has served on the board of EMSO since 2018 and took on the role of President in 2022. Outside of EMSO, […]