Role

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Composer  

Birth

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in Honolulu, HI

 

Melia Watras is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of music. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 22, 1979, Watras grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a classical pianist. From a young age, Watras showed a keen interest in music and began playing the viola at the age of nine. Watras attended the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where she studied with David Holland, a renowned violist. She then went on to study at Indiana University, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in viola performance. She continued her studies at the Juilliard School in New York, where she earned a Master of Music degree in viola performance. Throughout her career, Watras has performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, including the Seattle Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She has also performed as a soloist with the Seattle Symphony, the Northwest Sinfonietta, and the Philharmonia Northwest. In addition to her work as a performer, Watras is also an accomplished composer. She has written numerous works for viola, including a concerto that was premiered by the Seattle Symphony in 2017. Her compositions have been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Seattle Symphony, the Northwest Sinfonietta, and the New York Philharmonic. Watras has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2002, she was awarded the William Primrose Memorial Scholarship, which is given to outstanding violists. In 2006, she was awarded the Paul Creston Award for Excellence in Composition. In 2014, she was awarded the Artist Trust Fellowship, which is given to artists in recognition of their outstanding work. One of the highlights of Watras' career was her performance at the 2015 World Viola Congress in Poland. She performed her own composition, "The Fiddler's Child," which was inspired by a Polish folk song. The performance was met with critical acclaim, and Watras was praised for her virtuosic playing and her ability to capture the essence of the folk song in her composition. Another highlight of Watras' career was her performance of the world premiere of "Viola, Viola" by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Harbison. The piece was written specifically for Watras and her husband, violinist Michael Jinsoo Lim. The performance was met with critical acclaim, and Watras was praised for her sensitive and nuanced playing. Watras is also a dedicated teacher and has taught at numerous institutions, including the University of Washington, the University of Texas at Austin, and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She is currently a professor of viola at the University of Washington School of Music. In addition to her work as a performer, composer, and teacher, Watras is also a dedicated advocate for new music. She has commissioned numerous works for viola and has worked closely with composers to bring their music to life. She is also a member of the Seattle-based new music ensemble, the Sound Ensemble, which is dedicated to performing works by living composers. In conclusion, Melia Watras is a highly accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant impact in the world of music. Her virtuosic playing, sensitive interpretations, and dedication to new music have earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.

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