If you’ve ever wanted to attend a Primrose Memorial Concert event at Brigham Young University, this year’s festivities may entice you to take a fall road trip to Provo, Utah.
Every year we are lucky to have a distinguished guest violist come to Utah and BYU to perform, teach, and honor the memory of the great virtuoso of the viola, William Primrose. This year’s event is a celebration of world renowned violist and pedagogue Alan de Veritch on the occasion of his 70th birthday, and the dedication of his collection to the Primrose International Viola Archive. Mr. de Veritch was one of Primrose’s youngest students, beginning his studies with him at age 12. The weekend will also feature Mr. de Veritch’s illustrious former students James Dunham, Nokuthula Ngwenyama, and Paul Neubauer in a recital honoring him. Other events will include a masterclass with Mr. Dunham, Ms. Ngwenyama, and Mr. Neubauer, a book signing of Mr. de Veritch’s recently published biography Malibu Man, an exhibition of his collection, a panel discussion led by Mr. de Veritch, and tours of the Primrose International Viola Archive.
The recital will feature repertoire that Mr. Dunham, Ms. Ngwenyama, and Mr Neubauer had studied with Mr. de Veritch. After intermission there will be a viola ensemble play-along of Mr. de Veritch’s arrangement of the Brahms songs for Viola and Piano. (Audience members are encouraged to join in!)
Some of Mr. de Veritch’s interesting memorabilia that will be on display include photographs from his outstanding career, his grandfather’s 1903 Graduation Diploma from the Prague Conservatory bearing Anton Dvorak’s signature, and Mr. de Veritch’s working copy of the Walton Concerto, which contains the handwritten notes and signatures of Sir William Walton.
Mark your calendar and make your travel plans so you don’t miss this exciting Viola celebration!
Friday and Saturday, September 22-23, 2017.
Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.