(Philadelphia, April 17, 2020)—During an April 7 panel discussion with Assistant Principal Cello Yumi Kendall on motivation during difficult times—part of the Virtual Philadelphia Orchestra’s offerings—Temple University student Brooke Mead asked how to cope with the disappointment of cancelled performances, particularly ones of personal significance. Mead, who is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree in Viola Performance, had recently cancelled her graduate recital, a culminating moment for which she had been preparing for many months.
In an incredible show of support, Kendall and the online attendees—many complete strangers to Mead— offered to serve as a virtual audience for the graduating violist. [Click here to watch the panel discussion and this special moment at 48:43]. Though Mead is unable to perform her graduate recital in person due to COVID-19 closures, she will now perform to a worldwide virtual audience via Zoom on April 24, 2020, at 7 PM ET, as part of the Virtual Philadelphia Orchestra. Registration is available here.
“During the Q&A, when Orchestra President and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky read Brooke's question, I immediately and instinctively raised my hand to show that she'd have at least one in her virtual audience if she still chose to hold a virtual recital,” said Kendall. “And because our community – and the community in the Q&A itself – is so supportive and encouraging, we saw many comments in the chat box offering to attend and support her as well. It was a spontaneous and natural response from a group of people that was already joined by the wish to discuss motivation – a perfect audience to be there for Brooke.”
Originally scheduled for April 18 with traditional piano accompaniment, Mead’s recital will now be solo and from her home in Northern Liberties in Philadelphia. The program includes the fourth movement of Bach’s Violin Sonata No. 3, in a transcription for viola; Hindemith’s Viola Sonata,Op. 25, No. 1; and Ungar’s Ashokan Farewell. Kendall will emcee the event and host a Q&A with Mead following the recital. Audience members will have the opportunity to submit questions and messages of support during the performance through Zoom.
Mead began playing the viola at the age of seven and received her Bachelor of Music from Temple University in 2018. In September 2018, she started pursuing her master’s degree at Temple University, where she studies with Philadelphia Orchestra Assistant Principal Viola Kerri Ryan.
Brooke Mead’s Graduate Recital
Brooke Mead Viola
Bach/transcr. Rowland-Jones from Violin Sonata No. 3 in C major,BWV 1005:
IV. Allegro assai
Hindemith Viola Sonata, Op. 25, No. 1
Ungar Ashokan Farewell
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