Stony Brookers Katherine Spencer (DMA Candidate, Clarinet) and Sarah Ghandour (DMA Cello 2025) are joining one of America’s most renowned baroque orchestras, Handel and Haydn Society.
Katherine Spencer has won the principal clarinet position beginning in the 2025-26 Season. The musicians were selected by Cohen and separate committees of H+H Orchestra members following a competitive audition process that drew a talented, international applicant pool. In addition to her new appointment with H+H, Katherine ‘Waffy’ Spencer is principal clarinet of The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Academy of Ancient Music, Gabrieli Consort and Players, The Irish Chamber Orchestra, and the City of London Sinfonia. She has played for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace and at a private performance for the Emperor of Japan.
Cellist Sarah Ghandour joins as a Stone Fellow for the 2025-2027 seasons, following a competitive live audition process. A first of its kind among period-instrument orchestras, the H+H Stone Fellowship provides an unparalleled two-year learning experience that includes training and mentorship, performances with the H+H Orchestra and Chorus, career counseling, and additional coaching and performance opportunities with partners including the New England Conservatory (NEC).
Lebanese-American cellist Sarah Ghandour recently completed her Doctor of Musical Arts at Stony Brook University, where she also earned her Master’s degree under the mentorship of cellist Colin Carr. Originally from San Francisco, she began her cello studies with Irene Sharp and later worked closely with Jean-Michel Fonteneau at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She completed her undergraduate studies at Bard Conservatory, receiving a Bachelor of Music under the tutelage of Peter Wiley and a Bachelor in Mathematics. Sarah was the honored recipient of the 2017–2018 Harriet Hale Woolley Scholarship to complete a one-year artist residency in Paris, France.
Original Articles to Find Out More:
Spencer: https://handelandhaydn.org/principal-musicians-announcement/
Ghandour: https://handelandhaydn.org/hh-announces-second-stone-fellowship-cohort/