Campus
Northwestern boasts one of the best facilities and most beautiful campuses in America.
From top, left to right: A double rainbow over Lake Michigan at NU, the view from the stage at Galvin Hall, two views of Northwestern's lagoon during the spring and winter, the interior of the Ryan Center at sunrise, and two views of the Ryan center during a sunny day and at sunset.
Community
At the heart of the studio's strength is its warm, supportive community.
From to bottom, left to right: a friendship bracelet for Prof. Callus, a pair of Kundert violas on stage, students working on practice schedules in studio class, some of the class of 2022 graduates at convocation, students meeting up before the start of classes, the studio after Seth's recital, a group of students getting ready for studio class, a group of student swith Napoleon the pug, some viola cases at orchestra rehearsal, and a fun pillow in Prof. Callus's studio.
Masterclass with Roberto Diaz
A highlight of the studio's programming in 2019 was a masterclass with Roberto Diaz of the Curtis Institute.
From top to bottom, left to right: Students who took part in the masterclass were Chloé Thominet, Derrick Ware, Sae Rheen Kim, Ben Wagner, and Teddy Schenkman.
Masterclasses
The studio frequently enjoys masterclasses with guests from across the country.
From top to bottom, left to right: Alexia working with Jeffrey Irvine, Chloé leading a masterclass for Derrick and Sophie, Chloé workig with James Dunham, Helen working with Baird Dodge, Sae Rheen working with David Rubinstein, Sae Rheen working with James Dunham, Seth working with Anthony DeVroye, and Yuan working with Anthony Devroye.
Orchestra
The NU viola section in action
From top to bottom, left to right: Students at NU Chamber Orchestra (NUCO) rehearsal, the NUCO section after a concert, the NU Symphony Orchestra (NUSO) section after a concert, the NUSO violas on tour in China, the NUSO violas at Millennium Park in Chicago, NUCO violists celebrate a successful rehearsal, and Susan preparing for orchestra.
Performances
Members of the viola studio perform in recitals and concerts all over Chicago.
From top to bottom, left to right: Alexia at her recital, Chloé performing the Walton concerto with NUSO, Hannah in recital, Ben and Chloe during and after a performance in Chicago, Chloe receiving applause after her performance, two views of Hannah's recital, Seth in recital, and Yuan in recital.
Viola Pets
The studio's furry friends often feature at Northwestern.
Featured pets include Madison and her dog, Sophie and her dog, Isaac and his cat, and of course, the studio mascot, Napoleon, Prof. Callus's little black pug.
Remote Learning
The studio adapted to Covid with resilience and resolve.
Photos of remote lessons taught by Prof. Callus with Alexis, Sachin, Johannah, Lucie and a chamber coaching with Nicolas and Jelena. Also shown is Prof. Callus's remote teaching setup, some students' remote lesson setups, and smaller Zoom check-ins led by grad students Josephine and Madison for the freshmen and sophomores.
Studio Pictures
The viola studio over the years.
From top to bottom: The 2016-2017 studio, the 2018-2019 studio, the 2019-2020 studio, and three pictures of the 2021-2022 studio - one posed, one preposterous, and one at the end of year pizza party.
The Viola Prize
Photos from the annual studio competition
Top to bottom, left to right: 2020 Viola Prize featured composer Augusta Read Thomas working with Johannah in a masterclass, Josephine displaying the 2022 Viola Prize poster, Thomas with Johannah, the 2018 Viola Prize laureates with adjudicator Ed Gazouleas of IU, the studio with 2022 adjudicator Li-Kuo Chang of the CSO, Johannah performing at the Viola Prize masterclass, and the 2020 laureates with Thomas, the winners of the 2023 Viola Prize with adjudicator Robert Levine of the Milwaukee Symphony, first prize winner Kunjing Dai with Levine.