Eliesha Nelson

Eliesha Nelson is an American viola virtuoso and recording artist celebrated for her dedication to expanding the viola’s classical repertoire. Known for her rich, expressive performances, she’s carved a niche by spotlighting underappreciated works, particularly from Russian and American composers. Her albums like *Russian Viola Sonatas* and *Porter, Q.: Complete Viola Works* showcase her knack for reviving gems from composers like Sergei Vasilenko and Quincy Porter, earning praise for both technical precision and emotional depth. A Juilliard-trained musician, Nelson has performed with orchestras such as the Cleveland Orchestra and balances her recording career with teaching, sharing her passion for strings with the next generation. Whether unearthing forgotten sonatas or championing contemporary pieces, she’s a dynamic force in classical music’s evolving landscape.