MusicNOW! presents Leanne Darling "Viola from around the world" October 25, 2008

The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music presents Music NOW! This series, which will run through our exciting 2008-09 concert series, will present the edgy, diverse, unique and raw talent that makes up the musical voice of the Brooklyn Conservatory’s immensely talented faculty.

Kicking off this affordable and entertaining series will be Leanne Darling. Darling will present a concert titles “World Viola Showcase. This engaging event will be an exploration of viola and bowed string music around the world. Darling will present a captivating blend of Baroque, Tango, Arabic, Cuban, Chinese opera, Jazz and original compositions and will be accompanied by a pianist, a guitarist/oud player, a violinist/yang-chin player, a cello player, and a percussionist.

Violist/Composer Darling has appeared with virtuoso oudist Simon Shaheen in Carnegie Hall, with poets Robert Bly and Clarissa Pinkola-Estes at the Omega Institute, and with the Cedar Lake Ensemble's premiere performance in Chelsea. Her work on Toy Box Theatre’s The Landlord earned her a nomination from the New York Innovative Theater Awards for best original music in 2007. She has worked with choreographers Jodie Gates and Ann Robideaux. A classically trained violist and former assistant principal with the Florida West Coast Symphony, Darling now specializes in Arabic music, jazz, blues and composes her own repertoire for solo viola and loops. When not performing, she leads classes in 'StringPlay', a curriculum she designed to teach improvisation to string players of all ages.

Official Website: http://www.bqcm.org