Meet Madison Marshall, Mackie Moore, and Miriam Wagstaff. I just had the pleasure of listening to these lovely young ladies give a preview of their upcoming Viola Day performance. (Nothing makes me happier than this many violas in my house at once!)  They are preparing the Beethoven Trio Op. 87 which was arranged by Lionel Tertis for viola trio. What a perfect piece to play for a Viola Weekend that will be topped off with a recital of music devoted to works composed for Tertis.

These fabulous young violists are currently students of Dr.  David Dalton and Dr.  Elizabeth Wallace. Madison says that she is really in love with the Rebecca Clarke Sonata (I know, who isn’t?!?) and she named her viola Mr. Darcy. (Oooh, a lover of English viola music in the making!) Mackie Moore is already taking college classes in history and algebra at Utah Valley University and fits viola in when she can. Her viola’s name is Uqu, which is curiously inscribed on the tag inside the viola. Miriam Wagstaff doesn’t have a name for her viola (neither do I, other than awesome!) but she is a competitive Irish step dancer with the Shelley School of Irish Dance. I should have had her show me some moves!

These talented young ladies will be performing on the ensemble recital as part of the Utah Viola Society’s Viola Day 2014!!! These young viola rock stars are truly great musicians in the making, and I’m really happy that they will be joining us for Viola Day 2014!!! Don’t miss it!