News
Senior Soloist Featured at Concert
January 25, 2012
Cleveland Heights, OH
Heights High Senior Viola Soloist Charlotte Sperl will play the Viola Concerto, B minor, in the Style of Handel, by Henri Casadesus, accompanied by the Symphony. The performance is at Heights High on February 10, 7:30 p.m. Charlotte chose the piece because of the varied tones – some sections are dark, with minor chords and others are light and upbeat. She was also drawn to the technical challenge of the piece
Music has always been a part of her life - both of her parents are professional musicians. Her father plays bass in the Cleveland Orchestra and her mother plays oboe in the Youngstown Symphony.
“I remember hearing my parents play beautiful music when I was little,” she said. “That inspired me to want to play too.”
She began playing the viola in the fourth grade at Fairfax Elementary School. One of the things she appreciates about Heights High is that there are many great student musicians. She began practicing for the Senior Solo audition last spring and has been practicing with the symphony since December.
“Having the symphony play behind me is an amazing experience. They are supportive in many ways,” she said. “Their melody introduces the solos.”
Symphony Director Daniel Heim is also a violist and has shared his knowledge and experience with Charlotte. “He is especially helpful in coaching me about how to fit my solos with the symphony.”
Charlotte also plays in the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and for her church. She has been on the tennis and swim team and is in the National Honor Society and French Club.
She has applied to several colleges and as of mid-January is waiting to hear if she was accepted to her top choices. She is not sure what she will study in college but is considering biology and political science as possible majors. One thing she knows for sure: She loves music and it will always be a part of her life.
