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

2024 Primrose International Viola Competition & American Viola Society Festival Schedule of Events — THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2024

Nine Fingers

Garth Knox (b.1956)

Solo Suite No. 2 in DM, Op. 131.d

Max Reger (1873-1916)

III. Allegretto

Cello Suite No.1: Serenata

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

Cadenza Jig

György Kurtág

* from Signs, Games, and Messages

(b. 1926)

Parlando

Verbum caro

Orlando di Lasso (1532-1594) Arr. by Julie Michael Andrew Hamilton (b.1977) Arr. by Julie Michael

Variations on Product #1

* from Genesis

Manto

Giacinto Scelsi (1905-1988)

III.

Doloroso

György Kurtág

* from Signs, Games, and Messages

(b. 1926)

Julie Michael, viola

First section, Open C – introduction: unity branching into many dimensions With its first piece based on a Hawaiian greeting ritual, this section introduces listeners to the defining characteristic of the viola: its C-string, which lends the instrument a low, mellow voice and a sonority that composer György Ligeti described as having “the aftertaste of wood, earth, and tannic acid.” Second section, Pizzicato – searching: cyclical transformations, finding oneself This section becomes more intimate: listeners must get close to hear the softer sounds of plucked strings as the performer explores, tries on one object after another in a repeating,

ritualistic search for the right fit, the right sound and identity. Third section, Parlando – remembrance: faith, absurdity, hope, joy

This final section adds a layer of sung and spoken voice to the sound of the viola, concluding the program with miniature reflections on human belief and faith, from creation stories to prophets to mourning rites.

10:30 am – 11:30 am

Lecture-Recital Mayman Hall Showcase: Six Young Artists plus Six New Works

Northern California Viola Society – Hear six recent winners of the NCVS Young Violists Competition and international Composition Contest along with advice from the organizers on how to create meaningful contests. Board officers, an adjudicator and composer round out the panel.

Micro Suite for Viola

Dario Duarte (b.1986)

Rebekah Sung (2024 winner)

Baby Elephant Wandering

Alischer Ikramutdinov

Deep in Thought

(b.1965)

Colin Breshears (2024 winner)

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