MAC Spring Concert Series 2026 – Queer Ensemble Project

Queer Ensemble Project

Queer Ensemble Project, founded by Mina Kim and Sam Kelder in 2024, is an initiative to uplift and celebrate queer artistry in the greater Boston area; to bring to the forefront LGBTQ+ performers and composers, amplify their individual voices; and start conversations between performers and audience with the ambition of building a stronger community around music – particularly audiences of LGBTQ+ youth and elders who may experience the need for community the greatest. Sam Kelder and Sergio I. Muñoz Leiva will play at the MAC. https://queerensembleproject.org

Sam: Praised by the Boston Globe as a “committed and dynamic” performer, violist Dr. Samuel Kelder’s interpretations of contemporary repertoire and virtuosic technique have led him to become a sought after soloist and chamber musician, traveling widely to work with many prominent artists and ensembles of today. Sam is a member of Sound Icon, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Callithumpian Consort, East Coast Contemporary Ensemble, and founding member of Shizuka Viola Duo; and is a frequent guest artist with chamber ensembles across the East Coast. Sam is a frequent chamber collaborator with the Outer Cape Chamber Festival, Galatea Chamber Series, Sandbar Chamber Series, and Appalachian Chamber Music Festival. An equally accomplished orchestral musician, he is principal violist of the Cape Cod Chamber Orchestra, section violist of Portland Symphony, New Bedford Symphony, and the Boston Festival Orchestra.

Sergio: Sergio I. Muñoz Leiva is a Chilean violist committed to building community through music. A versatile performer, his repertoire spans from early Baroque to contemporary music. He has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, The Metropolitan Museum, Jordan Hall, and the National Opera House of Chile. His musical mentors include Penelope Knuth, Kim Kashkashian, and Carol Rodland. He holds degrees from the New England Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, and The Juilliard School. Muñoz Leiva is Director of Chamber Music at College of the Holy Cross and is Music Theory Instructor at Project STEP.