With playing that is “fierce and lyrical” and works that are “other-worldly” (The Strad) and “evocative” (NY Times), Jessica Meyer is a versatile composer and violist whose passionate musicianship radiates accessibility, generosity, and emotional clarity. As a soloist and member of the award-winning and critically-acclaimed contemporary music collective counter)induction, Jessica has premiered pieces for solo viola around the country, and is committed to expanding the repertoire for viola by championing new works while also composing her own.
Ms. Meyer’s compositions explore the wide palette of emotionally expressive colors available to each instrument while using traditional and extended techniques inspired by her varied experiences as a contemporary and period instrumentalist. Recent commissions include a work for the Nautilus Brass Quintet as the composer in residence at the 2016 Women Composers Festival of Hartford, and soprano Melissa Wimbish for her Carnegie Hall debut. Upcoming commissions include works for cellist Amanda Gookin of the Public String Quartet, flutist/dancer Zara Lawler, and NOVUS NY of Trinity Wall Street under the direction of Julian Wachner.
Her current solo show and “intriguingly vivid” debut CD, Sounds of Being, is a surround-sound sensory experience of her own compositions for viola and loop pedal where she turns her voice and viola into an orchestra to take the audience on a journey filled with joy, anxiety, closeness, anger, bliss, torment, loneliness, and passion. Performances include iconic NYC Clubs such as Joe’s Pub and SubCulture, to the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, and across the pond at Sunset Sunside in Paris.
Swerve for cello and loop pedal
'Swerve' is about making a conscious effort to get everything grooving the way it should, in balance with all the feelings and responsibilities that are unique to women. In essence.... that moment when you "get your swerve on".