Dear Violists,

“We are an instrument without tradition”, William Primrose famously began the introduction to the book Playing the Viola, authored by Utah’s own Dr. David Dalton. He had a point to make, but one might argue that we may have been busy building a tradition in the decades since! Our proud tradition is one of camaraderie and fellowship, traits stronger among violists than most other instrumentalists.

We also have a tradition of discovery – the whirlwind of commissioning and arranging begun by Tertis and Primrose has never let up!  Violists have ever been intrepid researchers, mining for repertoire to share with our community and bring to the concert stage.Viola Day 2016 will celebrate the spirit of the viola with a tribute to Dr. David Dalton, one of our greatest advocates for creative scholarship.  We will host a presentation on Utah’s connection to Primrose and founding of the Primrose International Viola Archives, and hear a special concert of Dr. Dalton’s contributions to our repertoire.

Guest artist Patricia McCarty will perform a recital of adventurous, virtuosic works with her duo partner Aram Arakeylan, and lead a masterclass exploring works not often heard, but of great value to ambitious young violists.

Utah has a strong tradition of local instrument making, also a field that honors the past while continually evolving. We will be pleased to present the work of our local luthiers in a special demonstration of instruments new and old, perhaps also creating an opportunity to match a hopeful violist to their new viola!

And of course…Alto Clef Cookies! Hope to see you there!
~Brad Ottesen and your UVS friends

• Saturday, October 15
  9:00 am Registration, viola congregation and camaraderie
  10:00 Masterclass by Guest Artist Patricia McCarty
  12:00 pm Pizza Lunch, hang with your viola pals
  12:45 Instrument Demonstration by Utah Symphony Principal Violist, Brant Bayless
  1:15 Meet your Maker – Play all the violas!
  2:30 Presentation: The Primrose/Dalton Connection by Dwight Pounds
  4:00 Special Concert:  A Dalton Celebration

• Sunday, October 16
  7:00 pm Recital: Patricia McCarty, viola, with Aram Arakeylan, piano
  Free to members of the Utah Viola Society!
• Renew your membership today!