JAVS Fall 2011

myself and send them audio clips of my playing, and we would exchange thoughts about music.” he found that many of the composers were very open to writing for the viola and especially for someone who was excited about playing their music and finding per formance opportunities. “Most composers have come to my concerts where I often feature new works, and we start talking.... Not only am I working with the composer on a concept, but I am also thinking of ensembles that I know or have heard of that might make the perfect match.” As for paying the composer, Deubner says that sometimes “I have paid out of my own pocket, or the composer has gotten a grant, or I have written a letter of recommendation to a founda tion on the composer’s behalf.” It began when Deubner’s clarinet, viola, and piano trio (the halcyon trio) commissioned a triple con certo by pianist and film composer Lalo Schifrin, which they premiered with both the New Jersey Symphony and the Knoxville Symphony. Following

that was a viola concerto written by American com poser Trent Johnson, which Deubner premiered with the National Chamber Orchestra of ukraine, in Kiev. he has also worked often in Ecuador and will be traveling to Australia for another premiere. When asked how these far-flung engagements came about, Deubner replied: “I would get invited to premiere a new concerto at this festival or this concert series. Once there, I would make a point to introduce myself to other conductors and organizations in the area, and invariably this ‘friend-raising’ resulted in being invited back to that region.” In Ecuador, where he has been five times in the last three years, he is now involved in working with the string sec tions of local orchestras and in giving private lessons. Luckily, he still has time to absorb the local music and its indigenous instruments. It is probably not coincidental that he is also enthusiastic about the local foods and enjoys experimenting in the kitchen at home.

J OuRNAL OF ThE AMERICAN VIOLA SOCIETy 58