Canadian violist Tawnya Popoff enjoys an exciting and versatile international career. In addition to being principal violist with the Vancouver Opera since 2007, she is continuously sought after for diverse chamber music collaborations and recitals. She is a founding member of both Microcosmos {a string quartet}, and the Driftwood Duo (viola/cello), a member of the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (TX), the Walden School Players (NH) and has ongoing collaborations with Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet and Cherylyn Lavagnino Dance and VisionIntoArt in New York City.phot

As an enthusiastic supporter of works by living composers, Ms. Popoff has commissioned and premiered dozens of pieces and has recorded for the Koch, Albany, Nonsuch, CRI, SHSK’H (web label), Columbia Composers and other independent labels both as a member of the Cassatt Quartet and individually. She was a prizewinner in the 2000 Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition, has received two consecutive Canada Council individual artist grants and has served on the faculties of the Perlman Music Program, University of Pennsylvania, Syracuse University, SUNY Buffalo, the Bowdoin International Music Festival and Artes no Camiño (Spain).

Tawnya Popoff studied with Gerald Stanick (Fine Arts Quartet) in Vancouver, BC and Martha Katz (Cleveland Quartet) at Rice University.

Her viola was played by Boris Kroyt of the Budapest Quartet, generously loaned to her courtesy of his grandson. Aside from musical pursuits, Ms. Popoff has a cycling company offering private and personalized adventures and creates handmade toys and games.

with Turning Point Ensemble / Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra at the 2018 Sound of Dragon Music Festival (photographer Nenad Stevanovic)