Since 1970 violist Louise Schulman has been widely recognized as one of New York’s most dedicated, versatile and gifted instrumentalists. She is a founding member [1974] and principal viola of the St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble and Orchestra of St. Luke’s, performing in virtually all of the group’s acclaimed concerts and recordings.

Ms. Schulman also has a major affinity for early music, performing on a variety of stringed instruments including baroque viola and violin, vielle, cittern, viola d’amore and viols. Some of the groups she has performed and recorded with include the Waverly Consort, Philomel, Long Island Baroque Ensemble, Folger Consort, Breve, Clarion Concerts, New England Bach Festival, Ensemble for Early Music and Bacchinalia. Her solo recordings of Telemann and Vivaldi concerti [Music Masters and Essay labels] have won much praise from critics.

In the field of contemporary music Ms. Schulman has also made her mark. Since 1975 she has been on the performing and coaching staff of the Composers Conference, performing and recording numerous chamber works of gifted young composers, and is now the staff representative on the conference board of directors. Her recording of “Interviews” for viola and piano by Eleanor Cory is on CRI records.

Ms. Schulman gives frequent duo recitals with guitarist Bill Zito, as well as solo recitals with piano, and concerto appearances. Her recording with Mr. Zito of duos by Mauro Giuliani, titled “An Italian in Vienna” is soon to be released on the Dorian Sono Luminus label. She also performs with the Strathmere Ensemble and Armstrong Chamber Concerts.

Reviews:
“... lovely playing, filled with a wealth of expression and a lush tone.” [Strad Magazine]
“... a gifted soloist ... an unusually cultivated musician of no outward pretensions.” [Newsday]

Her viola is by Zanetto da Montechiaro, ca. 1530.

Her new CD with Bill Zito: An Italian in Vienna: Duos by Mauro Giuliani.