October 7, 2021

Megan Torti is a first year Master’s student in the Orchestral Performance Program. She’s playing in the MSM Symphony Orchestra Concert conducted by George Manahan on October 10th at 3 PM EDT. 

This concert celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Orchestral Performance Program, and will feature Glenn Dicterow, Chair of the Orchestral Performance Program and other faculty members. 

Megan tells us about her experience being part of this project, why she chose MSM, and her hopes and dreams for the future. 

Tell us a little about yourself!

Megan: I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, where I started piano at age 5 and flute at age 10. My dad would take me to Chicago Symphony concerts and the flutists were like rock stars to me. I joined the Chicago Youth Symphony and that is when I discovered that playing in an orchestra was something I wanted to pursue professionally. Soon after, I went to the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University for my undergraduate degree. Now I’m starting the first year of my Master’s Degree in the Orchestral Performance Program at MSM studying with Robert Langevin.

Tell us about this concert and what it’s like being a part of the Symphony Orchestra?

Megan: It’s been great to play in a full orchestra again! I am especially excited to be performing Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloé on this program. It’s an extremely important and challenging piece for the woodwinds, so it’s great to get experience playing it with my friends and colleagues here at MSM. This piece is very atmospheric and beautiful.

How has this school year been for you so far? What are you most looking forward to?

Megan: It’s great to be back to in-person learning this year! I have been keeping busy with rehearsals, classes, and lessons. Everything is fast-paced here so it’s definitely keeping me on my toes. I’m mostly looking forward to my lessons because I always leave them feeling inspired and excited to practice.

What do you like best about being apart of the MSM Community and being at MSM?

Megan: MSM is such a supportive community and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know everyone so far. I feel very motivated by this environment since I am surrounded by so many hard-working and talented musicians. I like getting feedback on my playing from friends and colleagues here, and it’s nice to have other people to bounce ideas off of. The faculty here is incredible, and they work very hard to help us achieve our personal and professional goals. It’s clear that they care a lot, and will go the extra mile to help.

What projects are you working on now?

Megan: There are a lot of professional auditions coming up this year, and I am working hard on preparing myself the best. I’ve been drilling orchestral excerpts a lot, and am trying to get my playing in the best shape possible. There are so many things I’d like to improve on, and I’m enjoying having the time and space to learn and grow here at MSM.

Why did you choose MSM and what do you like best about studying here?

Megan: I chose MSM because the Orchestral Performance Program is so strong and I’ve seen many successful musicians come out of it. The regular mock auditions and repertoire classes built into the program make it unique, and I can see myself growing a lot here. My favorite part about studying at MSM is my teacher, Robert Langevin. He is such an inspiration and it is so wonderful to get to work with him every week and then hear him perform regularly in the New York Philharmonic.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

Megan: My dream is to play in an orchestra! Going to orchestra concerts has always been therapeutic for me because I get carried away in the sounds and textures of the music. I think that the arts are needed now more than ever, and I would love to have the opportunity to give audience members that pause from reality that I feel whenever I hear live music.

MSM Symphony Orchestra: Celebrating 30 Years of the Orchestral Performance Program

George Manahan (BM ’73, MM’ 76), Conductor
Glenn Dicterow, Violin

OCT 10 | 3 PM EDT

Neidorff-Karpati Hall

Manhattan School of Music
130 Claremont Avenue
New York, New York 10027