Viola

Violist Susan Janda thrives on interpreting a wide variety of musical styles on her otherwise typically ‘classical’ instrument. Vocal influences are important to her playing; Susan’s own experiences as a singer of choral music, musical theater, and some jazz inspire her to borrow from the nuances and line of expert singers around her. Susan is a musician of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra, and has premiered works, performed or recorded with VocalEssence, Prince, Adam Levy (And The Professors), Cory Wong, Michael Johnson, Stevie Wonder, The Eagles, Idina Menzel, Luciano Pavarotti, many broadway touring shows, with recordings on Redhouse, Naxos, Ars Nova, Innova, and MPR labels.

Students of the viola and violin benefit from Susan’s endless supply of analogies and dancing gestures to explain musical problem solving and technique. She is currently Adjunct Professor of Viola at Hamline University, with also small home-studio of students.