CSO Fanfare Project debuts new work performed by CSO/CCM Diversity Fellow

As part of the CSO/CCM Diversity Fellowship, Pierce is pursuing a Master of Music in Viola Performance at UC's College-Conservatory of Music as she gets paid to perform with the CSO. A Cincinnati native, she previously graduated from CCM with a BA in Music and a minor in Spanish in 2019.

This semester, she has participated in some of the CSO's virtual concerts, including the CSO Pops concerts and a Young People's concert. Pierce is also acting as one of four principal violists for the CCM Philharmonia.

"My first time back on stage was actually before the semester began in July of 2020 at the CSO Fourth of July Pops concert, and that was very exciting for me," she says. "Overall, being back on stage with my colleagues in a safe way is the best feeling!"

"Although it may not seem the same as before the pandemic began, I am still completely honored to take part in such beautiful music making and learning with elite level musicians."

Pierce was "excited and absolutely thrilled" when the CSO asked if she would like to play the new piece by Giddens. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic and scheduling, she wasn't able to collaborate with Giddens one-on-one. However, she did receive some musical guidance from CSO section violist Joanne Wojtowicz. 

"A huge part of my interpretation of the Fanfare for Viola had been inspired by [Giddens'] other pieces of music, which I believe to be soulful and very moving," Pierce says. "I was passionate about interpreting what Rhiannon Giddens music meant to me and I believed that this project was the perfect opportunity for me to explore my musicality."

Pierce is preparing for an upcoming concert with the CCM Philharmonia where she is the principal violist for Ravel's Mother Goose Suite and Kodály's Dances of Galánta. Later this winter, she will also help a violinist friend with a virtual project that involves teaching beginner string techniques for young students. 

Despite the pandemic, Pierce is focusing on her personal, musical and professional development amid the challenges of social distance lessons via Zoom and playing in a smaller ensemble with fewer musicians on stage. She says that the CSO musicians as well as CCM professors and colleagues have been encouraging about staying motivated. 

"I want to uphold the importance of creating and giving music to a world so filled with pain and depression during such a tumultuous time," Pierce says. "Though it can get tough at times, I try to uphold faith in my craft and I desire to keep pursuing my goals of becoming a well-rounded musician who inspires hope and encouragement for those around me."