March 13, 2025

Meet classical horn student Vera Romero (BM ’27)! This past January, Vera played in the horn section of OPUS130 conducted by Daniela Candillari. She reflects on her experience playing in the concert and her time at MSM so far.

ABOUT VERA

Vera Romero is a second-year undergraduate student studying Classical Horn Performance with Michelle Baker. She is originally from Caracas, Venezuela, but grew up in Austin, Texas, where she began playing the French horn. Vera has always dreamed of studying music and pursuing a career as an orchestral performer. Since enrolling at MSM, she has been part of prestigious ensembles and programs such as Carnegie Hall’s NYO-USA, the New York Youth Symphony, the MSM Symphony Orchestra, and OPUS130. Additionally, she has performed with the Princeton Symphony, Symphony in C, and the Jupiter Symphony. Beyond her musical accomplishments, Vera serves as the secretary of MSM’s Latinx Student Alliance, reflecting her dedication to fostering community and celebrating her cultural heritage. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts, exploring New York City, and discovering new cultural and artistic experiences.

Did you miss the OPUS130 concert?

Tell us about the OPUS130 concert

Vera: The OPUS130 concert on January 22nd, 2025, was conducted by Daniela Candillari, Principal Conductor of the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. The program featured a diverse selection of works: Anna Clyne’s This Midnight Hour, Bedřich Smetana’s iconic Die Moldau, and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s rich and emotional Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 27. Our orchestra had the opportunity to perform alongside members of the Orchestral Performance faculty, including David Chan, the head of the OP program and concertmaster of the MET Opera Orchestra. This collaboration between students and distinguished faculty members highlighted the exceptional opportunities at MSM and made this concert a truly special experience for both performers and audience members.

What was your biggest takeaway from the concert?

Vera: My biggest takeaway from this concert was that I enjoyed playing three very different pieces in one concert, especially with Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2. I had the opportunity to sit as principal, third, and second horn on the program, each requiring a different stylistic approach. I loved the challenge of switching between different styles and roles in the section—adapting my sound, tuning, and leadership to fit each piece. It was a great way to push my versatility as a player. MSM’s performance opportunities make it a great place for me to grow as a musician and challenge myself to improve in every orchestra cycle. And as the cherry on top, I was very happy I got the opportunity to perform this concert alongside my friends and wonderful horn players.

What was your favorite piece on the program?

Vera: My favorite piece on the program was Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 27. I have always loved Rachmaninoff’s ability to write romantic, soaring lines, especially the lyrical passages that showcase the French horn’s expressive sound. My favorite moment in the symphony was Movement III, otherwise known as the Adagio. Rachmaninoff’s writing of the iconic clarinet solo at the beginning of the movement, followed by the beautiful and yearning melody of the violins, was arguably the emotional highlight of the symphony. Not only as a listener, but as a performer, I was deeply moved by the sweeping and passionate themes of the movement. Getting to sit as a part of the orchestra and having the privilege to bring that type of music to life was, and always will be, my favorite place to be in the world.

What was it like working with Maestra Daniela Candillari?

Vera: I enjoyed working with Daniela Candillari as a conductor for several reasons, both artistic and personal. I valued the representation of female conductors in the classical music world, and Candillari’s role as a prominent female conductor added an important layer of empowerment and inspiration to my performance. Her presence in the conducting world reflected the growing visibility of women in the field, and it was a reminder of the potential for change and inclusivity in classical music. Additionally, she brought thoughtful interpretations to her conducting and created a learning environment in which the musicians improved, thanks to her leadership.

Why did you choose to study at MSM?

Vera: I decided to study at MSM because Michelle Baker’s teaching style really resonates with the way I learn, and she knows exactly how to help me improve. I’ve always admired her playing, especially since I also consider myself a low horn player. The location in New York City was another major factor for me—living here helps me make valuable connections that hopefully will help me with establishing a career in my dream city. NYC is also a fantastic place to be exposed to all kinds of music opportunities, with chances to listen to some of the best orchestras in the world. Lastly, during my audition I toured the school, walked around the neighborhood, and talked with the horn professors who were all so welcoming and kind. The whole day I simply had a gut feeling that MSM was the perfect place for me, both professionally and because of the welcoming environment.

What is your advice for prospective horn students?

Vera: Do not be afraid to reach out to the faculty and ask for trial lessons. They want to see you succeed and help you find the best fit for your learning, so take advantage of the fact that MSM has a wide variety of incredibly talented horn professors to pick from! If you have any questions, the MSM horns have an Instagram account (@msmhorns) so don’t be afraid to reach out if you have any questions about the studio or the school!

Do you have any fun plans for the summer?

Vera: I am currently in the process of applying to summer festivals, so I would hopefully love to spend my summer learning more about music and refining my playing! The rest of my summer plans include spending quality time with family, friends, and my dog in Austin, catching up on hobbies, practicing at home, teaching lessons, and traveling to Germany with my family – a trip we’ve been wanting to do for years!