Cafe Viola
returns to Canberra

Sunday 16 March 2025
11am - 3pm
Ainslie Arts Centre, Room 14
30 Elouera Street Braddon

For viola players AMEB level grade 4+ or equivalent

Canberra and visiting violists share fun music, fine music for viola ‘orchestra’ - old favourites and surprises, from Bach to Bartok, Telemann to Tangos, all relaxedly read - and rehearsed just a little!
Accessible standards, with a happy mix of younger/not-so-young sharing their experience - strength in numbers with professionals as desk partners for developing players!
Tonal & technical hints will be deftly shared, camouflaged by Rob Harris in his ‘keep playing to learn’ approach. “I learnt so much and had so much fun! More Cafes please!” is a typical rating.

A welcoming coffee and chat if travels have you arriving 10.30ish for 11, a mid-session BYO ‘brown bag’ lunchhour (water/tea/coffee supplied) to meet & greet, discuss your Q&A topics and to ‘think tank’ future Canberra viola gatherings. A farewell cuppa for those who don’t dash away?

Robert Harris, now Canberra resident, brings a worldly experience in over 30 countries, as violist, violinist, teacher, clinician, conductor, examiner, adjudicator, events manager and public speaker. His Cafe Viola gatherings have enjoyed repeat success in Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, many regional centres, in New Zealand, Thailand and the USA - a complement to his scholarly presentations for International Viola Congresses.
A past Principal Viola of ACO and of professional orchestras touring Asia, North America, USA, Robert has also toured as Principal for the greats - Pavarotti, Streisand, Stevie Wonder and more.