Staff Writer

Two of North Florida’s newest naturalized American citizens are also members of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, violinist Aurelia Duca from Moldova and bassoon player Shinyee Na from Taiwan.

The fact that each chose to become a U.S. citizen is part of a larger story. Many of their fellow musicians also hail from around the world, making the orchestra one of North Florida’s most diverse workforces.

“We have musicians from Russia, the Ukraine, Taiwan, Brazil, Venezuela, Moldova, Romania and Canada in addition to the U.S.A.,” said symphony Personnel Manager Chris Dwyer.

He explained that open positions are advertised through the American Federation of Musicians.

“That means it’s seen all over the world,” said Dwyer.

Jacksonville’s orchestra isn’t unusual in having an international roster of talent, said symphony Executive Director Stacy Ridenour.

“Having musicians from all over the world is one of the characteristics of every great symphony orchestra,” she said.

Many talented young musicians leave their home countries to study in America. In addition to world-famous institutions like the Julliard School, Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory, Ridenour said schools of music at many American universities have gained international reputations for excellence. That leads to an equally international student body that has the opportunity to experience what it’s like to live in America.

“And then they make the decision to stay here,” she said.

Bringing talented people from all over the world to Jacksonville to live and work adds to the cultural fabric of the community.

”Most of our musicians from other countries have been here a while but they still maintain their traditions,” said Ridenour. “But as diverse as we are, we all speak the same language of music.”

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