Theresa Rudolph followed by a discussion on the viola with John Newton

Theresa Rudolph joined the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as Assistant Principal Viola in 2011, and performs as Acting Associate Principal Viola during the 21/22 Season.

She is also a member of the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, a position she has held since 2018. Theresa began her orchestral career as the youngest member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, shortly after graduating university at the age of 21. She has also held positions with the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada Orchestras, and performed with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra.

A passionate chamber musician and recitalist, Theresa has performed at festivals across North America, including the Vancouver, Great Lakes, and Santa Fe Chamber Music Festivals, Ottawa Chamberfest, and New Music Detroit. Frequently heard on series throughout Ontario, she appears regularly as a member of the TSO Chamber Soloists, and has been featured on CBC/Radio-Canada and The New Classical 96.3 FM.

Increasingly sought-after as a teacher, Theresa maintains a robust studio at the University of Toronto, and was recently appointed as the Viola Faculty of the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy at the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has been a guest clinician at the Universities of Alberta, Western Ontario, and Ottawa, and was a faculty member of the inaugural online viola workshop, BratsheTogether. Theresa is also the Viola Coach of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Viola discussion

Because the viola is the member of the string family that has never settled on standard measurements, viola players, teachers and luthiers must deal with the variability of the instrument’s dimensions. Every player must find a viola that is matched to their unique conformation, so as to avoid strain and injury, while also satisfying their musical aspirations. The viola teacher has a crucial role assessing the students’ physical limits, advising on optimum viola size, and teaching them how to play safely and without pain. Theresa Rudolph and John Newton will discuss these issues with input from players and luthiers present.