LA Weekly November 16-22, 2001
page 90
Calendar: Theater-Classical & New Music

PICK OF THE WEEK
ViolaFest III

In case you weren't aware, there's such a thing as a viola joke. Why anybody would pick on an overgrown violin is beyond me, but there's even a web site where you can click on to the latest in viola bashing, like "What's the difference between a viola and a violin?" The answer can be found at ViolaFest III, when a multitude of violists will perform a tongue-in-cheek piece composed by one of their own, entitled "Violas Burn Longer." The Southern California Viola Society's annual performance showcase workshop features more than 30 well-known local violists, among them Pamela Goldsmith, Ray Tischer, Damon Graddy and the one and only Peter Hatch, whose "Magic of the Viola" recital series (it's now a CD too) has done much to bring the "middle kid" member of the string family, wedged in between big sibling cello and little sibling violin, into its own. ViolaFest is definitely not an exercise in restraint: Among the can-you-top-this musical feats will be an on-the-spot read-through of a Vivaldi Concerto Grosso and a performance of Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings," both arranged for 30-something violas. "This will be a happening," Hatch assures us. In addition, Hatch's 8-year-old daughter Heidi will be making her public debut, performing Oscar Rieding's Concerto in Gypsy Style, Opus 21, with her proud papa. "She'll be playing the violin," he explains, "because the viola's a little big for her at the moment." At USC, Booth Hall, Room 100; Sun., Nov. 18, 4 p.m.; donations accepted (all proceeds go to September 11 charity organizations). (323) 665-2332. --Mary Beth Crain

 

Return to Home
© 2003 Southern California Viola Society