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

2024 Primrose International Viola Competition Pre-Screening Jurors

Phillippe Chao Philippe Chao is the Assistant Professor of Viola at Texas Tech University and on faculty at the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. He is a longstanding member of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and the Grand Teton Music Festival and performs as a guest musician with the Pittsburgh, National, and Baltimore Symphonies. His chamber music collaborations have included performances with international artists James Buswell, Simone Porter, Robert Koenig, and Julian Rachlin. He has

performed on NPR’s Performance Today with Fred Childs and can be heard on the Naxos recording featuring the works of Bernard Hermann. Mr. Chao created a popular transcription of the Bach Cello Suites for two violas as well as published several first editions of works by the 20th century Italian composer, Marco Anzoletti. He has commissioned works from Sergey Akhunov and Adolphus Hailstork with recordings forthcoming.

Christina Ebersohl-Van Scyoc Christina Ebersohl-Van Scyoc made her solo debut after her Honorable Discharge from the US Army, where she served as an Arabic Linguist. Since her return to the classical world, she has embarked on a multifaceted career, seamlessly transitioning between solo performances, charismatic advocacy, and cultural diplomacy. Her expressive playing and profound understanding of the viola repertoire has garnered critical acclaim, establishing her as a sought-after artist on both national

and international stages. Beyond the stage, she remains deeply involved in philanthropic endeavors—inspired by her own experiences as a blind musician, she regularly pursues initiatives that actively make classical music accessible to disabled musicians. Christina is currently the Editor for the Journal of the American Viola Society. She continues to captivate audiences with her soul-stirring performances while contributing to the cultural tapestry of classical music.

Juan-Miguel Hernandez An artist defined as “…tender, lyrical, loaded with personality” (Atlanta Journal Constitution), violist Juan-Miguel Hernandez is also recognized for drawing “…the sweetest, most sonorous tone…” (Washington Post). First Prize winner at the 16th International Johannes Brahms Competition in Austria, and the Sphinx Competition (2006 Senior division), Juan-Miguel is regularly seen on stage as soloist and guest artist around the world. A dedicated chamber musician, Juan-Miguel was a

member of the legendary Fine Arts Quartet (2013-2018) and original member of the Harlem Quartet (2006-2012). Juan-Miguel joined the faculty of the Royal Academy of Music in London as Professor of Viola in September 2016 where he now remains as visiting professor after moving back to Montreal-Canada, his native home, in 2020. His musicianship has led to a wide array of collaborations with artists such as Itzhak Perlman, Lynn Harrell, Kim Kashkashian as well as Chick Corea, Gary Burton and Stanley Clark.

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