50 State Sonata Project dedicated to Suzuki Violin Pedagogue John Kendall will have performances in every US state in 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pocatello, Idaho, May 8, 2016 -- Robert Wilson, a senior at Idaho State University, gave the Idaho premiere of composer Stephanie Ann Boyds new work for violin and piano at Idaho State University on April 22nd as part of the 50 State Sonata Project. This project is a co-commission involving one violinist in every state, and is Part I of a two year project celebrating the life and work of John Kendall, a pedagogue who helped to bring the Suzuki teaching method to America.
Boyd, a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, studied violin with Kendall while in high school in Ann Arbor, Michigan and wanted to embark on a project that would showcase her love of the violin while paying adequate tribute to Kendalls world-wide musical influence. Robert spoke fondly of working with Boyd, saying I consider her to be an ambassador for contemporary classical music...in her compositions both the trained musician and the complete newcomer to classical concerts can find something to enjoy. Of the new work for violin and piano, Wilson noted that Her Amerigo Sonata reaches out to the audience in an essentially human, relatable, and beautiful way.
Wilson currently serves as the concertmaster of the Idaho State University Chamber Orchestra, and the Assistant Concertmaster of the Idaho State University Civic Symphony. He has been involved in multiple outreach programs and currently teaches several group classes for the Caribou Highland After School Strings Program, a nonprofit afterschool program which serves grade school to high school age students. Through his efforts, and with support from the community, his program was recently awarded a federal grant designed to help rural artistic programs. Ive so enjoyed working with Robert on this project, Boyd said. His thoughts and ideas on music are as beautiful and intricate as his playing. More information on Idaho violinist Robert Wilson can be found at http://www.stephanieannboyd.com/idaho More about the 50 State Sonata Project can be found at [http://www.stephanieannboyd.com/50-state-sonata-pr...](http://www.stephanieannboyd.com/50-state-sonata-project/)
[](http://www.stephanieannboyd.com/50-state-sonata-project/) #### Shirley Miller PMS Media shirleymiller@performancemarketingsystems.info
