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Described as “staggeringly virtuosic” by The Strad, violist Melia Watras has been hailed by audiences and critics alike for her electrifying and vibrant performances. She has long been at the forefront of the American new music scene, performing numerous commissions and world premieres as a soloist and co-founder of the award winning Corigliano Quartet (www.coriglianoquartet.com). She enjoys a multi-faceted career as a soloist, chamber musician, educator, and recording artist.
Watras has performed in many of the nation’s leading venues including Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, Alice Tully Hall and the Kennedy Center and has appeared as a soloist with renowned violist Atar Arad in performances of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 6. A versatile performer, Watras made her dance debut at the Merce Cunningham Studio in New York City, where she played viola and danced in the premiere of Kathryn Sullivan's At Home.
With the Corigliano Quartet, Watras has concertized extensively throughout the United States and abroad, performing to much critical acclaim. Described as “Musicians who seem to say ‘Listen to this!’” by the New York Times, the quartet was also praised by The Strad for their “abundant commitment and mastery.” The group has won awards such as the Grand Prize at the Fischoff Competition and the ASCAP/CMA Award for Adventurous Programming, and has >>