Pianist Susan Nowicki joined the Philadelphia Orchestra as Principal Horn in September 2006. She was formerly Principal Horn of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Associate Principal Horn of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and taught at Southern Methodist University. Her numerous awards include an Avery Fisher Career Grant and being named a Presidential Scholar. She appeared as soloist with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Saint Louis Symphony, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and National Symphony Orchestra. An active chamber musician, Ms. Montone has performed with Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and at major festivals including La Jolla Summerfest, Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, and Spoleto, Italy Chamber Music Festival. She is a faculty performer at the Aspen Music Festival and School. She is a published writer on brass performance and is regularly featured at brass conferences. She graduated from The Juilliard School.