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

2024 American Viola Society Festival Artists

Ben Ullery Violist Ben Ullery enjoys a multifaceted performing career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral leader and educator. In 2023 he was chosen by Music Director Gustavo Dudamel for the position of Associate Principal Viola of the LA Philharmonic and previously held the position of Assistant Principal in the same orchestra since 2012. Ullery has also performed across the country and abroad in the role of Guest Principal Viola with the Chicago Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Australian Chamber Orchestra. He has also been featured as a recitalist and chamber musician at Mozaic, Music in the

Vineyards, Mainly Mozart, Emerald City, Music at Millford, Leksand, Grand Teton, and Aspen festivals, among others, and his performances have been heard frequently on NPR’s Performance Today. Since 2013, Ullery has been on the faculty of the Colburn School where he teaches orchestral repertoire as well as coaching the Colburn Orchestra’s viola section. Many of his former students have gone on to hold positions with top orchestras in the US, Europe, and Asia. More info at www.benullery.com.

Boris Vayner Trio Lawrence

Originally from Novosibirsk, Russia, Boris Vayner has been enjoying a diverse career in music as a violist, educator, and conductor. As a member of the Grammy nominated St. Petersburg String Quartet since 2005, he has been intensively touring throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Boris Vayner joined the faculty of the University of Kansas in August 2017. Prior to this, he served as an adjunct faculty and a member of the quartet-in-residence at theWichita State University. He has also been a member of the NewEar

Contemporary Chamber Ensemble and Trio Lawrence.

Daniel Velasco Trio Lawrence

Daniel Velasco is an award-winning flutist whose "standout" and "vibrant" performances (Miami Herald) have taken him around the world. He is the first prize winner of the National Flute Association's Young Artist Competition, WAMSO Minnesota Orchestra Competition, MTNA Young Artist Competition, Claude Monteux Flute Competition, second prize winner of the William C. Byrd Competition and finalist at the Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh International Competition. He served on the faculty at the University of Akron from 2016-2018 and is currently the flute professor at the University of Kansas. He is a Yamaha performing artist.

Tim Washecka Tim Washecka is a dedicated viola and violin teacher in Central Texas. In 2005, Tim and his wife founded the Bluebonnet Suzuki Studio. His students consistently earn high ranks in their All-Region and All-State orchestras, as well as earning spots in the National Youth Orchestra and other highly competitive summer programs, as well as various local solo competitions. Tim is currently a member of the Austin Opera viola section, and in the past has enjoyed performing with the Houston Grand Opera.

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