April 6, 2011
Melia Watras and Seattle Universitys Amber Archibald lead talents in April 10 ‘Violas United
UW viola professor Melia Watras will host Seattle University faculty violist Amber Archibald in a performance featuring students from both schools in the Viola Studio Recital “Violas United,” at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10, in Brechemin Auditorium.
Amber Archibald, left, and Melia Watras.
Watras has long been at the forefront of the American new music scene, both as a soloist and co-founder of the award-winning Corigliano Quartet. Throughout her career, she has championed living composers, commissioning, premiering and recording new works for the solo viola and for string quartet, while appearing in the nations leading venues. These include Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, Alice Tully Hall and the Kennedy Center.
Watrass expanding discography has attracted considerable attention and praise from the media. She has performed extensively and to much critical acclaim with the Corigliano Quartet in the United States and abroad. She earned bachelors and masters degrees from Indiana University.
She began her teaching career while at Indiana, and was a member of the faculty as a Visiting Lecturer. She went on to study chamber music at the Juilliard School while serving as a teaching assistant to the Juilliard String Quartet. Watras is an associate professor of viola, chair of the Strings Division and a Donald E. Petersen Endowed Fellow.
Archibald, a native of Houston, Texas, has been praised for her bold and vivacious playing that matches her personality. She has performed in the United States, Portugal, Austria and Germany. She earned a bachelors degree in violin performance from Indiana University, and a masters degree from Rice University. Archibald teaches privately in the Houston area.
Tickets are $5, cash or check at the door.
