April 28, 2026

George Manahan will conduct his final MSM performance, La clemenza di Tito, April 30 to May 3 in Neidorff-Karpati Hall. We spoke with Principal Flautist, Sydney Weiler (PPD ’27) about the performing this music, her time at MSM so far, and why you should attend this opera.

ABOUT SYDNEY

Sydney Weiler is a first year Professional Performance Diploma candidate studying under the tutelage of Valerie Coleman. A Miyazawa Emerging Artist, Sydney is the co-founder and current flutist of Fifth Element Winds, and has been a fellow with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s for three years through their Chamber Music Mentorship program. As an advocate for new music and underrepresented composers, she has premiered and recorded many new works for young composers, performed lesser known works for flute, and is an active collaborator with student composers in Manhattan, workshopping new pieces for flute and wind chamber ensembles. Sydney received her Bachelor of Music from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her Master of Music from the Mannes School of Music.

Read Sydney’s full bio here!

Tell us about the music of La clemenza di Tito! Do you have any favorite spots in the music?

Sydney: The music of La Clemenza di Tito is wonderful, and definitely a great example of a “mature” Mozart’s writing. While it’s not as well known as some of his other operas, such as Don Giovanni or The Magic Flute, all the characteristics of his compositional style that we’ve come to adore and admire are present. My favorite flute moment is definitely in Scene 5, No.7 “Duetto” where I get to share the beautiful melodic line during an exposed moment with the vocalist. Outside of that, I love getting to listen to all of the wonderful (and extremely difficult!) clarinet moments!

What’s your favorite thing about playing Mozart?

Sydney: I feel like Mozart holds such a special place in the hearts of all classical musicians, but for me playing Mozart’s music always feels like returning “home”. Many flutists spend years learning and preparing the two flute concertos, mainly for auditions. Getting to play my first Mozart opera, seeing the similarities in style and relationships between his other compositions, and experiencing his music in a new environment is such a rewarding experience.

With this being George Manahan’s final MSM performance, are there any memories of working with him you’d like to share?

Sydney: As a first year Professional Performance Diploma (PPD) student, I feel so lucky to have gotten to work with Maestro Manahan on 3 different orchestra cycles before his departure! My very first concert at MSM was with him, conducting Stravinsky’s Petrouchka, which was at the top of my list of works I’ve wanted to perform.

Getting to play principal flute on his final opera at MSM is such a special experience! I was told by friends that Maestro is truly “in his element” when conducting opera, and I couldn’t agree more. Our rehearsals have been so enjoyable watching how his brain works up on the podium. Half the time he hasn’t even been conducting us, just playing the vocal lines and collaborating with us on his keyboard up front. The energy in the rehearsal room is locked in, and Manahan is a force to be reckoned with. I can’t wait until we add the singers and chorus next week to see how our process grows and changes every day before we take the stage!

Why should people attend this performance?

Sydney: The musicians are incredible, our vocalists are amazing, it’s a lesser-performed Mozart Opera, and Manahan’s final performances at MSM… what more reason could you need to attend such an incredible 4 days of performances? You don’t want to miss this!

Why did you decide to attend MSM?

Sydney: My top two reasons for picking MSM were the option of picking a “focus” in my degree path, and getting the opportunity to study with my wonderful professor, Valerie Coleman! I have a declared focus of chamber music and contemporary performance practice, so I’ve been able to design my class schedule solely around my interests and what best serves me as a 21st century contemporary/classical chamber musician and teaching artist. Getting to study with Valerie Coleman, founding member of Imani Winds and Grammy Nominated composer/flutist, has been monumental for my career planning and “final steps” in my education. She is an absolute inspiration, and leave me filled with motivation and drive after every lesson.

What is something significant that has inspired you in your journey as an artist?

Sydney: Founding my professional wind quintet, Fifth Element Winds, this past fall! This group had been in the works for two years, and we finally had our debut concert with a sold out audience in December. Since then, we’ve become an ensemble in residence at a Church in the East Village, hosted multiple concerts, played different gigs, and are currently planning for our season finale concert, educational outreach programs, and possibly some professional recording sessions next year! As a flutist who dreams of a career in chamber music and freelancing, forming my own group and seeing us take off so successfully in our first season has been life-changing. Follow us on Instagram at @fifthelementwinds to keep us with us and everything we do!

Sydney Weiler (L) and Fifth Element Winds

Any fun summer plans?

Sydney: I’ll be attending the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival this summer as one of their flute fellows. Besides that, I’ll be staying in the city: working, teaching private lessons, and rehearsing intensively with my wind quintet to prepare for our next season!