Grand Theft Alto - A Celebration of the Viola

Join acclaimed violists Will Newbery and Charlie McCarthy for an evening of musical mischief, as the viola reclaims its stolen treasures and asserts its rightful place as the pinnacle of bowed string instruments. From Bach cello suites to jazz ballads and classical showstoppers, this cheeky program celebrates the soulful sound of the alto clef and the tunes that sound better on viola—whether they were meant to or not.

Expect compositions from Debussy, Bach, Saint-Seans and Piazolla, pop classics like 'Never Gonna Give You Up' performed entirely with downbows, 'My Funny Violantine', where Will and Charlie deliver hilarious reverse viola jokes mid-performance AND the worlds first ever live 'William Tell OverTuring Test' where during Rossini's classic melody we administer a series of musical tests to check to see if Will is indeed Human or AI (Alto Influencer).

PLUS: a competitive, fun Youth Round for up-and-coming violists, and a daring attempt to break the record for the most violists playing Telemann’s Viola Concerto (2nd movement) at the same time. BYO viola! Sheet music is provided with your ticket — print it off (or have it on your pad) and play from your seat during the concert (with a friend as your music stand), or join the crew on stage. Register by emailing charliecharlie@gmail.com.

Expect elegance, fun, interaction, and just a hint of criminal intent. It’s high art meets grand larceny… of repertoire.