Yes, if you felt a disturbance in the force yesterday, it was because it was the cataclysm of Portland Viola Day, sponsored by the Oregon Viola Society. The event was held at Lewis & Clark College, with L&C faculty member and OVS president Miriam English Ward keeping everything organized and running smoothly.
The day kicked off with a masterclass – taught by me! I heard six excellent local students. It really was a pleasure to work with six very talented and capable violists – it makes teaching a joy when you’ve got such great players to work with. Selections from Bloch to Bartók were performed. The future of viola playing in Portland and SW Washington is in good hands if these students were representative of the state of playing in the region!
Two local luthiers had their wares on display for people to try out in the nearby lounge area in the music building as well.
After the masterclass, there was a recital of local violists in honor of violist Kjersten Oquist that featured many of the area’s best freelance musicians playing some great chamber works (done very well – our freelancers deserve much more credit than they receive).