MIXTUR AT PRIMARY SCHOOL (I)

Violist Julie Michael strives to bring the same spirit of sincerity to the performance of music of all eras, for all audiences. A passionate interpreter of new music, Julie has collaborated with many composers to premiere new solo viola and chamber works. Julie has performed throughout Europe and North America as former violist of the Tana Quartet, and through guest appearances with ensembles including Ictus, Alarm Will Sound and Ensemble Intercontemporain. An engaging performer for young audiences, Julie regularly gives concerts and workshops at schools and children’s festivals.

In this activity, students from El Solell primary school in La Palma de Cervelló prepare, with the help of their teachers and the pedagogical material sent by Assumpta Valls, their attendance at a performance of Julie Michael. During the preparation period, students carry out listening, analysis and sound experimentation activities, guided by their music teacher. At the same time, questions are raised that will then be addressed to the performer. When attending the activity, the children participate actively in the proposed concert by asking questions and interacting with the performer.

Programme

Pizzicato

• Junk drawer #1 (2022), Julie Michael (US) – 1′
• Nine fingers, part 1 (2009), Garth Knox (IE) – 2′
• Junk drawer #2 (2022), Julie Michael (US) – 1′
• Viola Sonata in g minor: Allegretto (1916), Max Reger (DE) – 1′
• Junk drawer #3 (2022), Julie Michael (US) -1′
• Cello Suite No. 1: Serenata (1964), Benjamin Britten (UK) – 3′
• Junk drawer #4 (2022), Julie Michael (US) – 1′
• Nine fingers, part 2 (2009), Garth Knox (IE) – 2′
• Carenza Jig from Signs, Games, and Messages (1989), György Kurtág (RO) – 1′
• Bryonitus (2024), Jorge Villoslada 2’ 

Here is my viola: polished, tuned, ready to play. But what will I play it with?

In this drawer, I find…a guitar pick!

In the next drawer…a knitting needle?!

If all else fails, there’s always my fingers…

We all love the sound of bowed strings, but this program shows off another side of the viola. Performed entirely in pizzicato, it highlights the virtuosity and expressiveness of plucking and reveals the dancing rhythms hidden in everyday objects. A celebration of the small but mighty, Pizzicato invites you to join in the treasure hunt, open the junk drawers, and see what sounds you’ll discover.

Julie Michael, viola

With the participation of the school students El Turó Blau de Barcelona

Activity coordinated by Assumpta Valls

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