Melia Watras

Melia Watras is a versatile violist and composer known for pushing boundaries in contemporary classical music. As a professor of viola at the University of Washington, she balances teaching with a vibrant performing career, often weaving experimental techniques and storytelling into her work. Her recent releases like *Partita Party* and *Schumann Resonances* showcase her knack for blending intricate compositions with playful spontaneity, while albums like *Viola Solo* and *Prestidigitation* highlight her technical mastery and love for unaccompanied repertoire. Watras frequently collaborates with living composers and has premiered dozens of new works, earning recognition from institutions like the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Whether she’s crafting accordion-infused whimsy on *3 Songs for Bellows, Buttons and Keys* or exploring raw emotion in *26*, her projects reflect a curiosity that’s as infectious as her musicianship is precise. Offstage, she’s a passionate mentor, advocating for new music through initiatives like the [Modern Viola Project](https://modernviolaproject.com) and performances with groups such as the Seattle Symphony.

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