Natalie Helm and Stephanie Block

Natalie Helm, Principal Cello

Principal cello of Sarasota Orchestra, American cellist Natalie Helm has been praised by Fox News as having a sound that "catches the attention of the room" and "leaves a lasting impression." Los Angeles Times proclaimed the audience "was transfixed" by a performance that Natalie "handled ardently." A cellist of musical grace and extraordinary versatility, Natalie enjoys a dynamic career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, and educator. Recent engagements include appearances with the Dana Point Symphony and the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, as well as recitals throughout the United States. She was named artist in residence and principal cello of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra for the 2015-2016 season. Other appearances include performances with the Richardson Symphony, Louisville Orchestra, World Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Colburn Orchestra.

Stephanie Block, Principal Viola

Stephanie Block, Principal violist of Sarasota Orchestra, is known for her direct, distinctive sound on a 300-year-old instrument that she affectionately nicknamed Puccini. Stephanie grew up outside Chicago in Barrington, IL, starting on the violin at age 4 and switching to the viola at age 13. She holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from The Juilliard School and has performed with distinguished ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Juilliard/Sibelius Academy Orchestra under Esa-Pekka Salonen. She has also been featured in Jazz at Lincoln Center alongside Wynton Marsalis. Outside of her music career, Stephanie is an accomplished competitive triathlete and a dedicated advocate and ambassador for rare pediatric cancer research.