International solo violist Scott Slapin to perform at Berwick Parish Church
International solo violist Scott Slapin is performing at Berwick Parish Church later this month.
Scott, who lives and works in Newcastle with wife and fellow violist, Tanya Solomon, was one of the youngest graduates in the history of the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, earning his degree at just eighteen years old.
He has since given countless recitals across the globe, written for and soloed with orchestras, and premiered solo works at Carnegie’s Weill Hall and international viola conferences.
Widely recognised as one of the most prolific and technically formidable forces in the modern viola world, Scott has redefined the boundaries of his instrument’s repertoire as both a virtuoso soloist and as an expressively lyrical composer.
His recital music has been performed by hundreds of violists internationally, and his original music have been recorded by diverse ensembles, including the American Viola Quartet, the Wistaria String Quartet, the Penn State Viola Ensemble, Viola Around the World, and his own Slapin-Solomon Viola Duo.
As a prolific recording artist, Slapin’s extensive discography includes dozens of premieres as well as historic milestones, such as being the first to record the complete cycle of J.S. Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas on viola.
"The first couple of works featured in my programme come from the two most important sets of the solo violin repertoire: Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas and Paganini’s 24 Caprices. These are often referred to as the twin bibles of violin playing as they push my instrument and myself to the edge of what’s possible," says Scott.
Scott's hour-long programme also includes music from Reger, Bach-Ysaÿe, Frost and some of his own compositions.
Scott and his wife met whilst playing with the Philadelphia Virtuosi ensemble. Together, they form the award-winning Slapin-Solomon Viola Duo — a partnership active since 1999 — and manage a private teaching studio in Newcastle, England, reaching students across five continents via the online platform, Muze.
"One of our goals as a society is to invite internationally renowned professional musicians who wouldn’t normally perform here in Berwick," says Berwick Music Society chair Dr Catherine Preston. "We can do this thanks to the support of music lovers, our patrons and charities like The Hadrian Trust and Sir James Nott Trust.
"I am looking forward to seeing Scott as he showcases the extraordinary flexibility of his instrument and challenges himself as a performer. His programme is an absolute delight."
The concert is on Saturday 28th November, 2pm-3pm.
Tickets are £10 direct from the Berwick Music Society website or on the door. Under 18s have free admission as part of the Society’s commitment to encouraging young people to fall discover classical and contemporary music.