Simon Rivet

Composer

After an early career as a classical guitarist, Simon turned his interests toward writing music for concert, film and dance. Following a 3-year period of solitude living in a cottage by a small and quiet lake, his music has found inspiration from the surrounding nature, and laid down its roots in the poetry of colorful harmonies, subtle orchestrations, and the integration of space/silence. As an emerging composer, his recent chamber music and orchestra pieces have received recognition from various international competitions. 

His work is a contemplation on the underlying forces of nature, and, consequently, on humanity’s own internal forces. It is an invitation to stop, open and connect oneself with one’s deeper dimension ; to enter one's “silent sanctuary”.

Annika Pollock

Clarinet

Annika Pollock is a clarinetist and teacher based in Pittsburgh. She is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance at Carnegie Mellon University, studying with Victoria Luperi. She earned her Bachelor of Music from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee in 2025, where she studied with YaoGuang Zhai.

Annika has previously appeared as a soloist with the Carnegie Mellon University Wind Ensemble. She has also performed with the Boston Conservatory Orchestra and Wind Ensembles, Horizon Ensemble, Berklee Scoring Sessions Program, and Boston Summer Opera. She has also participated in the Zodiac Music Academy in Nice, France, as well as the Miami Music Festival. As a recording artist Annika commissioned and released a single titled, Longing, with her colleague Grigori Balasanyan. As an educator, she has coached the South Bend Youth Symphony Summer Camp and the Riley High School Marching Band. When she isn’t playing the clarinet, Annika enjoys baking, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Amelia Beer

Violin

Amelia Beer is a 17-year-old violin student who has been playing since age 4. She attends Pittsburgh CAPA for violin and is concertmaster of their symphony orchestra. She has also been a part of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra, Three Rivers Young People's Orchestra, Youth Chamber Connection, and PMEA's All-State ensemble. Amelia  also enjoys playing in pit orchestras for her school and local community. She is grateful for the support and collaboration from her teacher, Katie Wickesberg, and her accompanist, Grace Burns. After she graduates, Amelia plans to pursue a degree in violin.

Edward Leonard

Conductor

Edward Leonard has established an outstanding reputation for his versatility and interpretation of an extensive repertoire.  As founder and Artistic Director of The Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh, he has led to substantial artistic growth since its creation in 2014.  His comfort in diverse repertoire results in a conducting prowess and artistic command that spans the centuries.