Michael Hall - Viola

Headshot by the amazing photographer Christian Nathael. I love how it makes my viola look. The color matches its sound.

Quite possibly not my best baking job. Chocolate chip cookies . ? . ? Despite their looks they tasted great.😊

I played this for a room of 42 2nd-graders and they voted it their new favorite music by a vote of 40 - 2 The lone holdout votes were cast for the Ligeti “Chaconne Chromatique” for solo viola, and Errollyn Wallen’s “Lavinia” for solo viola. Also on ballot: Bach Suite 3

I played this for a room of 42 2nd-graders and they voted it their new favorite music by a vote of 40 - 2 The lone holdout votes were cast for the Ligeti “Chaconne Chromatique” for solo viola, and Errollyn Wallen’s “Lavinia” for solo viola. Also on the ballot; Bach Suite No. 3 Young audiences❤️

“This rocks!” - violinist after we just finished rehearsing Stacy Garrop’s Viola Concerto, “Krakatoa.” It’s absolutely rewarding introducing new music to students. I’m playing the concerto with the Carthage College Symphony super soon. Conductor Ed Kawakami is a gem. Can’t wait! 🌋

Theres something magical about BW photography. Contrast, texture. ❤️ Action shot while playing composer György Kurtag’s solo viola music in Chicago. Photo by Tim Schmoll.

Ever hear music that sounds like a rocket that can’t wait to launch into orbit? I. Love. Playing. This. Piece! “Exotic Etudes” for solo viola and piano quartet, by composer Stephen Paulus. “Shimmering,” 3rd movement of five. This is how you write heroically for the viola! ❤️

It boggles my mind how diverse and wide-arrayed in style music by living composers is right now. I can’t wait to play five solo viola pieces by György Kurtag this Sun in Chicago at the Kurtag Frstival. “Signs, Games, and Messages” for solo viola is 💯 Wow!

Performing this music always makes the world feel warmer, fuller, and bring out the side of humanity that’s always seeking to embrace the joy of living. Herbert Howells’ gorgeous music for solo viola and string orchestra from 1917 still resonates today. What music reminds you to feel hope?

You’ve probably never heard of this composer, but once you listen to this piece you’ll wonder why. Herbert Howells’ lush, warm, and gorgeous music feels like a giant exhale while being wrapped in a warm blanket. A bucket-list piece to perform.❤️ youtu.be/2PJzCkA7hZM?...

You’ve probably never heard of this composer, but once you hear this piece you’ll wonder why. This music feels like a giant exhale while being wrapped in a warm blanket. From my most recent performance. This piece has long been on my bucket-list. ❤️ youtu.be/2PJzCkA7hZM?...

Scenes from my guest recital and mini residency at Calvin University. Music by living composers, plus two rare gems: -Herbert Howells’ “Elegie” for solo viola, string quartet, & string orchestra - Stephen Paulus’ “Exotic Etudes” for solo viola and piano quartet. Great new music exists. 🌸

Living Chicago Composers. I V I N G

Screaming it from the mountain top: I love being a musician. Why? It opened the world to me. Collaborate with composers around the world. Learn multiple languages (Bahasa Indonesia & Mandarin - faves) Compare impetus for music to history, political movements, social changes. Ask better questions

She wrote this music to give voice to a women waiting 2,000 years to be heard. Composer Errollyn Wallen’s “Lavinia” The Arneid War was fought over her hand in marriage. Now, Lavinia finally speaks her mind. youtu.be/A4_j3h0uhdU?...

Iranian composer Arshia Samsaminia wrote this powerful music for me. It was an honor to play it in the Senate Chambers of the Old Illinois state Capital Building. The very room Abraham Lincoln gave the speech, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Arshia is in Tehran & I’m from Chicago.

Need a quick energy boost? Watch this short and playful piece written for me by Phoenix Blackburn. A great intermediate level solo viola piece filled with a variety of bowing techniques and buoyant moods and characters with a joyous ending. Teachers - students will love it! youtu.be/uHoyWhPWMJo?...

Can you name these ten tunes without looking? “Every piece deserves a chance to become a masterpiece.” I’ve grown to realize the world of music is far bigger than any one playlist, genre, or award ceremony. What pieces from anywhere in the world speak convincingly to you. youtu.be/-cfY26YbTEA?si

Mt. Palmisano in Chicago. One of my favorite spots in the city.

Chicago: Heres my just released full video of the 10 pieces I played in the old State Capital Building Senate Chamber in Springfield. “Voices Ringing with Power” Music by living composers speaking about current struggles and issues of our time. youtu.be/-cfY26YbTEA?si

Performing at the Heidelberg New Music Festival. New music by living composer Kelly-Marie Murphy. “Ad Lucem” for viola & piano Gorgeous music with tons of energy. A musical statement about not giving up, following through, and believing in yourself.

My daughter took this photo of Chicago as her flight took off from O’Hare. The fog rolling off Lake Michigan sending gossamer-like fingers into the urban grid creates magic.

A dream getting to play a solo recital in the old Illinois State Senate Chambers in the Capital Building. The very room Abraham Lincoln delivered his “A House Divided” speech, and witnessed debates with Stephen Douglas.

A long line in our neighnorhood, but a powerful meeting of community gathering to honor & pay respects to a neighbor who helped change history. We gathered as Rev. Jesse Jackson, lay in repose here in Chicago. We witnessed history. He reminded each of us to say, “I am somebody.”

My first faculty recital at Carthage College! Playing h new viola music by composers: Paul Coletti Alexandra Gardner Michelle McQuade Dewhirst Chong Kee Yong Errollyn Wallen Narong Prangcharoen Michael Hall Nico Muhly Stacy Garrop Arshia Samsaminia

Autumn starting with some musical fireworks. Played 18 new viola pieces the last two weeks. More coming! #composer #viola #newmusic

She was told she couldn’t vote. She was told, “Thats not a job for women.” She was told to stay at home. Her family was ashamed of her for decades. Yet, composer Rebecca Clarke’s strength, tenacity, conviction radiates through her music, as heard in her Sonata for Viola and Piano, written in 1919.

We all know Orwell’s 1984 and Atwood’s Handmaid’s Tale warning us about fascism and self-appointed figures telling us only they can save us by pointing fingers at others. Here are some more highly impactful novels highlighting the flaws/traps of fascism, plus ways to escape it.

What are your favorite experiences going to Beaver Island? The largest island in Lake Michigan.

Opened this in anger because it isn't about @violanorth.bsky.social or @michaelhallviola.bsky.social, but I was very happy to see @hwfmorris.bsky.social with the NYT byline, nice work!

7th installment of posting inspiring musicians who make the world a better place. Stacy Garrop - Chicagoan, composer, positive spirit. Check out her Mythology Symphony. Drama, energy, excitement, and a great example that classical music is not only still alive, but thriving. Jump in. Water’s fine!

Fifth installment in an attempt to spread good news and vibes by highlighting a musician and album that makes the world a better place. Pianist/composer Daniel Pesca embodies all of that, and more. His new album highlights friendships, trust, warmth, and flowing melodies. Also, a Longtime Chicagoan.

A piece written for me by composer @musicalassumptions.bsky.social is now free to download. I premiered it in Chicago as part of the Make Music Chicago celebration. Tell all your friends who play or teach viola. This is gorgeous.

Fourth installment in an attempt to spread good news and vibes, by highlighting a musician and an album that inspires the world to be a better place. This time it’s Jessica Meyer, viola, and her album “Ring Out.” Jessica Meyer radiates energy into the world, both socially and musically. This rocks!

Third installment in an attempt to spread good news and vibes by posting an album by a Musial who inspires the world to be a better place. This time it’s pianist Adam Tendler’s album “Inheritances.” Adam Tendler, pianist/composer, and his music are life-affirming.

Second Installment: In an attempt to spread good news and vibes, I’m sharing albums by musicians who inspire and make the world a better place. Tomeka Reid is a cellist, composer, improviser, and all-around inspiring human being. She also creates community thru her sheer charisma and brilliance.

In an attempt to spread good news and vibes, I’m going to post an album a day of musicians that inspire and make the world a better place. 1st up, Ukrainian-American virtuoso pianist Nadia Shpachenko and The Poetry of Places.

Pablo Picasso - Guernica Kurt Jooss. - The Green Table Jacob Ter Veldhuis- TaTaTaTa Rupert Kipling - Boots Painting Ballet Music Poetry Powerful reminders. But, do we remember? Do we listen?

I just gave the world premiere of a piece written for me by composer Elaine Fine - aka @musicalassumptions.bsky.social at the Blackstone Public Library in Chicago. “All the Weather, All At Once” (2025), solo viola. Part of the city’s “Make Music Chicago” annual series on the summer solstice.

Chicago and the Summer Solstice at the 49th St Pebble Beach. Perfect temperature and vibe for just hanging out and relaxing.

Chicago’s musical treasure, composer Florence Price, wrote “Night” only a couple blocks from my home on the city’s south side. It’s thrilling to hear/see her music reaching new audiences.

When you realize you won’t even be the most famous musician from your own block. 😂

Hanging out at the harp capital of the world. Chicago’s Lyon and Healy.

You deserve a moment to relax and listen to a short piece of music composed by rising star Adrian Gordon. “With the Rising Star” m.youtube.com/watch?v=cp9x...