My latest composition project is Test Pieces for Viola. It will be a collection of short pieces for solo viola in which each piece tests one or two composition techniques. Like Test Pieces for Piano, Test Pieces for Viola will culminate in a book of test pieces that all “test” a compositional technique in a variety of contexts and musical environments. Test Pieces for Viola is written for and in collaboration with violist Matthew Darsey who will premiere the initial subset in early 2026 as part of the Providence Chamber Music Series in Charlotte. Look for updates as the project moves forward.
Violist Matthew Darsey leads a varied musical life as both a performer and an educator. A strong advocate of contemporary music, he is a founding member of the MAPSensemble, a Viola/Piano/Percussion trio, and has collaborated with the Bechtler and Out Of Bounds Ensembles, as well as regularly performing with the Charlotte New Music Festival. He regularly performs in the Asheville, Hendersonville, Greenville, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte symphonies. Outside of classical music, Matthew performs with the band Sound of Raine, bringing together musicians of various backgrounds. Matthew is the adjunct professor of viola at Winthrop University.