Arts Academy viola student wins national competition
Rising senior Lily Wodzisz, a student of Renee Skerik, won first prize in the American Viola Society Senior Solo Competition.
Lily Wodzisz (left) and collaborative pianist Hyewoon Chang (right) perform in the American Viola Society Senior Solo Competition.
Interlochen Arts Academy student Lillianna “Lily” Wodzisz (IAC 21-23, IAA 23-) recently won the American Viola Society Senior Solo Competition.
A rising senior from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Wodzisz was one of six violists from across the nation invited to compete in the live final round of the competition. The final was held on June 19 at the Colburn School in Los Angeles as part of the American Viola Society Festival.
During the competition, each finalist performed three pieces: a Bach Cello Suite, “Peace” by Jessie Montgomery, and a work of their choice. Wodzisz selected Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor and the first movement of Der Schwanendreher by Paul Hindemith.
The competition was adjudicated by three acclaimed jurors: Dr. Katrin Meidell, Associate Professor of Viola at the Schwob School of Music, Columbus State University; Wendy Richman, founding violist of the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE); and Gregory Williams, Assistant Professor of Viola, Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College, CUNY. Illinois State University Professor of Viola Katherine Lewis; Clazz International Music Festival Co-Founder and Director Matt Pickart; and Baylor University Professor of Viola Kathryn Steely served as the pre-screening jurors. Ruben Balboa, Assistant Professor of Music at Southwestern University, coordinated the competition for pre-college musicians ages 15-18.
Wodzisz is a student of Renee Skerik.
