Nikolette LaBonte, a native of South Florida, is currently serving as the Principal Horn of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. She joined the FWSO in 2019 and is currently on leave from her position as Associate/Assistant/Utility Horn of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra where she has served since 2016. In addition to the FWSO and RPO, Nikolette has held positions with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and Oahu Choral Society and has had had the opportunity to perform with orchestras across the country including the New York Philharmonic, Buffalo Philharmonic, New World Symphony, and Syracuse-based Symphoria.

Ms. LaBonte received her Bachelor’s Degree in 2018 from the Eastman School of Music under the tutelage of W. Peter Kurau and is currently working to complete her graduate degree coursework under the same guidance. In addition to her degree studies, she maintains a private studio, has been a guest lecturer at institutions including the University of Arizona and SUNY Potsdam, and is a member of several chamber ensembles including the Antara Winds and the American Wild Ensemble. Nikolette is also an award winning soloist and will be featured with the Verde Valley Sinfonietta this season as their 2020 Emerging Young Artist.

Outside of the concert hall, Ms. LaBonte is active in promoting classical music throughout the community. She is a faculty member of the Eastman Horn Institute, serves as the Associate Operations Director of the Kendall Betts Horn Camp, and previously worked as the education coordinator of the Hawaii Symphony. Away from the horn, she enjoys hiking, bicycling, and scuba diving, although she has to reserve the latter for her visits to more tropical destinations.

+2019-2020 Season Only