Willow joined EMSO in 2025 after encouragement from her friend, and EMSO oboist, Haley Martin. She played violin for 10 years in school, starting in 1st grade, and even dabbled in upright bass for a year. After putting the violin away during college, she didn’t pick it back up for a decade—but now she’s dusting
Musicians
Caleb Bevilacqua – Violin
Caleb joined EMSO in 2025. He began playing violin in 5th grade and later attended the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a performing arts high school. He also plays violin in a folk band with Seamus Donelan. Caleb’s primary instrument is a carbon fiber violin made by Mezzo-Forte in Germany. With Minnesota’s extreme weather and
Peter Eigenfeld – Trumpet
Peter Eigenfeld first played with the orchestra in 2024 seeking to perform in a full symphony orchestra again. He also performs in other local ensembles performing concert band works, traditional Bavarian music, worship music, and as a substitute in several Big Bands. He currently serves on EMSO’s Board of Directors. As a lifelong Minnesotan, Peter sees
William Boatman – Cello
William is a retired university reference librarian. He has played the cello from early youth, beginning in the public schools of Des Moines, Iowa. Now living in St. Paul, William has been a member of East Metro Symphony Orchestra since Spring of 2025. Decades ago, William studied with (now the late) Robert Jamieson, at the
Madeline Vogel – Cello
Madison Linke – Viola
Violist Madison Linke joined EMSO in 2025. She grew up in a family of musicians and started playing violin in kindergarten, but switched to viola in middle school at the suggestion of her music teacher. She has a master’s degree in computer science and is looking forward to all of her new career opportunities. Madison
Katherine Gallop-Strom – Violin
Susan Barry – Cello
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
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