Our final faculty showcase of 2019 features Seth van Embden in a solo viola recital.

Named a 2016 “Emerging Artist” by the Mendocino Music Festival, violist Seth Van Embden first moved to Chicago to attend the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University for a Masters in Viola Performance on full scholarship, studying under Helen Callus. Before his move from New Jersey, Seth received a dual degree in viola performance and music education at Rutgers University under the tutelage of Philadelphia Orchestra principal violist CJ Chang. Previously Seth was principal violist of the orchestra Sinfonietta Nova, in West Windsor, NJ. Most recently Seth has been a prizewinner in the 2018 Northwestern Viola Competition.

Seth has performed in solo, orchestral, and chamber settings all over the world, including Italy, the United Kingdom, and China. He most recently performed with the Northwestern Baroque Ensemble playing the primo viola part of the Brandenburg Concerto 6. Seth is currently a member of two new ensembles in Chicago: the Millennial Chamber Players and 5th Wave Collective.

Before his relocation to Chicago, Seth taught in the public-school system as an elementary orchestra director in Princeton, New Jersey. He also ran a private studio of over thirty students, and served on faculty of the Mason Gross School of the Arts’ Extension Division. Seth teaches with a patient yet thorough approach focused on proper technique and musical originality, and takes great joy in working and learning together with his pupils. He loves teaching all levels and ages, including adult beginners. Seth's students achieve high levels of musical success, including entry into the most competitive youth orchestras.

Seth also has a keen interest in performing early music and has performed on baroque viola in many period operas and ensembles, including the Northwestern Baroque Opera Orchestra and the Dartington Baroque Festival Orchestra. This past winter Seth took part in creating a student ensemble devoted to performing the works from Frederick the Great’s court. He will be attending the Berwick Academy as part of the Oregon Bach Festival this summer.

Seth is an active member of the American String Teachers Association and Early Music America, and is certified by the Suzuki Association of the Americas.