October 21, 2010
Faculty violist Melia Watras to perform Oct. 25
Faculty violist Melia Watras will perform a concert of contemporary works for the viola and the pieces that inspired their creation at 7: 30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25, in Meany Hall.
Described as “staggeringly virtuosic,” Watras has been hailed by audiences and critics alike for her electrifying and vibrant performances. Throughout her career she has championed the works of living composers, commissioning, premiering and recording numerous new works for the solo viola and for string quartet, while appearing in the nation’s leading venues, including Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, Alice Tully Hall and the Kennedy Center.
The world premiere of Perfect Storm, a new work written for Watras by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Shulamit Ran, will form the centerpiece of the program.
Other works will include George Rochberg’s Viola Sonata, Atar Arad’s George and two works by Luciano Berio: one of his Folk Songs, and Naturale. Joining Watras onstage will be pianist Kimberly Russ, percussionist Matthew Kocmieroski, harpist Valerie Muzzolini Gordon, and vocalist Galia Arad.
Composer Ran will talk about her work and the writing of Perfect Storm and Watras will play excerpts in a free presentation at 1:30 p.m. that day, also in Brechemin Auditorium.
Tickets for the evening performance are $15, $10 for students and senior. For more information call 206-543-4880 or visit www.music.washington.edu.
