Spotlight on a Viola!

The Society of Musical Arts (SOMA), a 60 piece orchestra of talented local musicians, has brought fine music to the residents of Essex and surrounding NJ counties free of charge for over 40 years. Our winter program highlights the viola and features four composers of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries: Beethoven, Fauré, Sibelius and Walton. Our program opens with Gabriel Fauré’s Pelleas and Melisande Suite. Next, we’re proud to feature Belleville’s Lillian Platte in her concert solo debut with William Walton’s beloved Viola Concerto. Beethoven’s Creatures of Prometheus Overture opens our second half, followed by Jean Sibelius' Symphony No. 7, his last published symphony. St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Westfield provides our beautiful setting. Admission is free; donations are welcome and encouraged.