Susan Barry joined EMSO in 2024 after having attended a couple EMSO concerts. Susan is recently retired, formerly employed with the Minnesota Department of Revenue as a supervising attorney. She grew up in Northfield, Minnesota, and now resides in St. Paul with her husband. She enjoys playing her cello, making music with EMSO, spending time
Lower Strings
Amanda Rodgers – Cello
Amanda joined the cello section of EMSO in fall of 2024. She was looking for an ensemble that would challenge her but had a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere. Although EMSO is far away from her hometown and current residence in New Brighton, she doesn’t mind making the trek. She lives with her family (parents and younger
Jenny Larsen – Cello
Jenny joined EMSO in 2023. She grew up in St. Louis Park, MN. She was a member of the Minnesota Youth Symphony for many years and has a Bachelor’s of Music in vocal performance/minor in cello and two Master’s degrees in leadership and theology. Currently, Jenny is the pastor at First United Methodist Church in
Scott Halberg – Bass
Neha Nagaraj – Viola
Neha Nagaraj joined EMSO in 2024. Neha has played the viola for over 12 years and started her journey in Maple Grove, MN. Music has always helped her feel connected to others, both with the audience or her fellow musicians. She’s played with her high school’s top-auditioned string orchestra and had been part of the University of
Madison Wieczorek – Cello
Dan Collins – Bass
Rachel Knipfer – Cello
Joshua Diaz – Bass
Joshua’s love for music was cultured by his parents during his early childhood. He started piano and guitar lessons before gravitating to electric bass and double bass in high school. During high school, He performed double bass in symphonic band and Jazz ensembles under the direction of Vincent Aiello. He qualified for a music scholarship
Shan Jiang – Cello
Shan joined EMSO in 2019 as a cellist after she moved to Twin Cities from Boston. She learned about EMSO from a friend and decided to be a player right after her first concert with EMSO – as an audience member. Shan appreciates the great opportunity to play with a diverse group of talented musicians