Gregory K. Williams, Violist

In striving to discover and interpret works by composers from around the world, Gregory K. Williams is becoming a leading violist, educator, conductor, and scholar. Currently the violist of the Archipelago String Quartet, Mr. Williams has recently been appointed the Assistant Principal Violist of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. In addition, he currently performs with the Rhymes With Opera Orchestra (founding violist) and the Distinguished Concerts International of New York. Prior to this, Mr. Williams performed with Symphony in C and the Syracuse Symphony. He served as a Fellow at the Aspen Music Festival, as well as performing at the National Orchestral Institute and Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival. His recent performances include recitals in London, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, and throughout the United States. Through the Enhanced Chancellor’s Fellowship at the CUNY Graduate Center, Greg Williams is pursuing his Doctorate in Viola Performance under the direction of Karen Ritscher and Linda Sinanian. Mr. Williams has previously studied with Michelle LaCourse at Boston University, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Viola Performance, and with George Taylor at the Eastman School of Music, receiving his Master’s Degree in Viola Performance and Literature. Greg Williams teaches viola at the Aaron Copland School of Music at CUNY Queens College and serves as a Writing Fellow at Queensborough Community College. He has served as the String Orchestra Director at Saint Francis Preparatory School and directed the Beginner String Program at P.S. 115 in Queens. He has also taught at Kellenberg Memorial High School, (Uniondale, NY); the Ross School, (East Hampton, NY); and the NYSSSA School of Orchestral Studies, (Saratoga Springs, NY). Mr. Williams’ article “Rocking the Boat: 21st Century Music for the Viola that Encourages Social Enlightenment,” examining recent works for viola that explore political and social change, was published in the Spring 2013 edition of the Journal of the American Viola Society. Violist by nature & trade, pedagogue & freelance musician, throughout NYC area. Studied @ Eastman, BU, & now CUNY Graduate Center NYC-Queens/ Long Island