Nicholas Jeffery
Assistant Principal viola | artist in residence
William and Fiona Denny Chair
ARTIST DETAILS
ARTIST INFORMATION
Meet the Musician
Where were you born? Where do you call home now?
I was born in Dearborn and now live in Kalamazoo.
Where did you study? Who did you study under?
University of Cincinnati – Catharine Carroll and Masao Kawasaki, University of Wisconsin – Sally Chisholm
When did you first discover your instrument? How old were you?
I started playing in my school orchestra program in fifth grade. They took us into a room with a bunch of instruments and let us try them all. I was leaning towards the violin, but a bunch of kids had already chosen that, so I went with the viola to be different!
How did you come to be with the KSO? What is your best memory here?
I auditioned for the orchestra in 2019. I think my favorite concert so far has been Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe. It’s a piece that I had never really connected with, but I had a great time at the concert!
Who is a musician/mentor who inspires you? What makes them special?
My teacher, Sally Chisholm, at the University of Wisconsin. She always pushed me to be better than I thought I could be.
What is your favorite piece you’ve ever played? What did it feel like to play?
The Rebecca Clarke Viola Sonata. Viola music is often a bit awkward because many composers try to treat it like a “big violin” or a “small cello.” Rebecca Clarke was a great violist, though, and her music fits perfectly on the instrument.
What do you love most about Kalamazoo? What are your hobbies/interests outside of the music world?
I love all of the hiking in and around Kalamazoo!
