Judith Souman

I hold a bachelor’s degree with a double major in Viola Performance and Music History from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a master’s degree in Classical Viola from Codarts University for the Arts in Rotterdam. I had the privilege of studying with Christine Vlajk and Karin Dolman, as well as taking lessons and masterclasses from many others including Nobuko Imai and Garth Knox.

In addition to modern viola, I have studied historically informed performance at the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, through a mentorship program with the Nota Bene players, and with baroque cellist Job ter Haar in Rotterdam. I have also explored being a beginner in Hindustani music with Lenneke van Staalen in Amsterdam, and in fiddling and non-classical improvisation with Shane Guse.

I have been active as a performer in solo, chamber, and orchestral concerts across Canada and the Netherlands, including creating an experimental solo recital in the Dordrecht Summer Concerts series incorporating improvisation, composition, poetry, and elements of theater with existing viola repertoire. In recent years I have also performed as a chamber musician in the Spirit of the North Classical Music Festival and the Talent Break concert series at de Doelen, and have subbed with the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony Orchestra and the Prince George Symphony Orchestra.

In exploring music ranging from medieval to modern, I continue to be fascinated and excited by the variety and richness of the world of music. As a performer I share these explorations with audiences, and as a teacher for over ten years, I share the pursuit of curiosity and excellence with my students.