Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Cathy Basrak is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for herself as a violist. She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1981, and grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a classical pianist. Cathy started playing the violin at the age of four, but later switched to the viola when she was 12 years old. Cathy's talent for music was evident from a young age, and she quickly became a standout performer. She attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where she studied with the renowned violist Karen Tuttle. Cathy also studied with Roberto Diaz at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. After completing her studies, Cathy began her professional career as a violist. She quickly gained recognition for her exceptional talent and was invited to perform with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras. In 2005, she joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as the principal violist, a position she held for 10 years. During her time with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Cathy was involved in many notable performances. One of the highlights of her career was performing the world premiere of John Adams' "The Dharma at Big Sur" with the orchestra in 2006. The piece was written specifically for the opening of the Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts in Pittsburgh, and Cathy's performance was widely praised. Cathy has also performed as a soloist with many other orchestras, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra. She has collaborated with many renowned conductors, including Leonard Slatkin, Marin Alsop, and Manfred Honeck. In addition to her work as a performer, Cathy is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at the University of Pittsburgh and the Carnegie Mellon University School of Music. She is currently on the faculty at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Cathy has received many awards and honors throughout her career. In 2003, she was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians. She was also a recipient of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence in 2010, which is awarded to artists who have made significant contributions to classical music. Cathy is known for her passionate and expressive performances, and her dedication to promoting classical music to a wider audience. She has been involved in many outreach programs, including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's "Music for the Spirit" program, which brings music to hospitals and nursing homes. In addition to her work as a performer and teacher, Cathy is also a dedicated advocate for social justice. She has been involved in many initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in classical music, including the Sphinx Organization, which supports young musicians from underrepresented communities. Cathy's talent and dedication to her craft have made her one of the most respected and admired violists of her generation. Her performances have inspired audiences around the world, and her commitment to promoting classical music and social justice has made her a role model for young musicians everywhere.

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