2024 Primrose International Viola Competition & American Viola Society Festival Program Book

2024 American Viola Society Festival Competition Finalists

Jennifer Kang Mountain View, CA Student of Dimitri Murrath

Jennifer Kang is a 14-year-old violist studying under Dimitri Murrath. Passionate about chamber music, she participates in the Young Chamber Musicians program. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including 1st prize at the 2024 US Open Music Competition, KAMSA Music Competition, and the 2023 NorCal Viola Society Young Violist Competition. In summer 2024, she'll attend the Perlman Music Program and has participated in the 2023 Morningside Music Bridge Program, the 2022 Music@Menlo Young Performers program, and Heifetz PEG in 2021. Beyond her musical pursuits, Jennifer is also a recognized writer, winning gold keys in the Scholastic Awards.

Aria Kim Bloomington, IL Student of Katherine Lewis

Aria Kim began her violin career at age 9 when she joined Illinois State University String Project. She began private lessons with Dr. Katherine Lewis at age 11 and went on to become concertmaster of String Project for two years before graduating middle school. She started learning viola in 2022 and is actively involved in her high school orchestra and chamber ensemble where she plays both instruments. Aria has qualified for ILMEA District and All-State orchestras as a violist this year and is currently concertmaster of the Central Illinois Youth Symphony and a dedicated

member of the Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphony.

Ellie Washecka Round Rock, TX

Student of Nicolette Solomon, Dr. Laurie Scott, Kristi Manno, and Tim Washecka Born into a musical family, Ellie Washecka began her musical studies playing the violin at the age of 2. She began playing viola when an opportunity arose to join a string quartet and made the permanent switch shortly after. In addition to performing with her All-Region orchestras throughout middle school, Ellie has been a member of her local youth orchestra and still enjoys performing with her string quartet. Ellie also plays piano. In her free time, she loves to travel, bake, and play with her golden retriever.

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