JAVS Fall 2007

Southern California

I am not sure if any viola Icings or queens emerged afterwards, but the day was a huge success. 1 am loolcing forward co "Viola Rocks!" this spring. -Amber Smithson

miere of Greg D'Alessio's ''Al to Rhapsody for Solo Viola". The ride of the piece is derived from Brahms' "Alto Rhapsody." Of this work, Mr. D 'Alessio writes," 'The Alto Rhapsody' is one of the high points of the literature for low female voice. So it seemed like a fine thing to appropriate it for a solo viola piece since the viola is the alto voice in the string family." Ms. Docrer played this highly dif ficult and rhapsodic work with amazing ease and flair. lc is a piece that others should consider learn ing! The first half of the program concluded with the Hindemith "Duet for Viola and Cello". The energetic rendition of this piece was played with Ms. Docter's cel list friend, Melissa Kraut. Intermission for this concerr was longer than normal. There was an amazing buzz of conversation and excitement amongst the members of the audience while they waited with great anticipation for the sec ond half of d1e program. The sec ond halfwas played with pianist James Howsmon and included the Haydn "Divertimento for Viola and Piano" and Bral1ms Sonata Op. 120, #2 in E-flac major. Bod1 pieces were played with Ms. Docter's characteristic security of technique and warmth of tone. The evening could nor have been a more enjoyable one. If anyone had wondered about venturing our on the cold winter evening, they returned home with great satisfac tion of having heard a spectacular evening of viola music!

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SCVS ViolaFm

(from lift to right) james Howsmon, Greg d'Alessio, Kirstm Docter, Alex Bonus, Melissa Kraut after Docter recital. On a chilly winter's evening lase February 23. 2007, Kirsten Docter presented a thrilling recital for the greater C leveland audience that warmed the soul! The sire of this recital was the beautiful and invit ing chapel ar Sr. Paul's Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights. This recital was presented as a benefit for the Ohio Viola Society's annual viola competition. Ms. Docter is a member of the award-winning Cavani Quarter and a faculty member ar the C leveland Institute of Music. With the quarter she presents con cern all over the world. Ir was a special treat to hear her play as a recitalist. Ms. Docter presented a varied program that appealed to all ages. The program opened with the Marin Marais "Five Old French Dances". She and harpsi chordist Alex Bonus played with great stylistic flair that drew in the audience and announced that great things were co come. A highlight of the program was the world pre

LA Phil violist Mick Wetzel teaching at SCVS ViolaFest

This past season, the Southern California Viola Society had a ban ner year. We re-wrote our mission sraremenr, added many new faces to our board, and hosted seven events! And we have plans for lots more exciting activities chis season. Our wonderful Board of Directors includes Piotr Jandula, who has returned to the Board as our new Secretary, Andrew Duckles, the tal ented cartoonist, as our Vice President, and in addition we have added Brett Banducci , who is in charge of composer outreach, Gina Colletti, who so brilliantly organ ized our first ViolaFest for lcids, Alma Fernandez, Karie Prescott, Nancy Roth, Daryl Silberman, and Rachel Wirth. Our Treasurer, Jamie Griffes, our publisher, Lori lves, and former Secretary and

- Louise Zeitlin

O~l.]MI; 2~ NlJM~J;;R 2 67