Karen Ritscher

Ritscher served as the principal violist for both the Dallas Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and Brooklyn Philharmonic;^[3] and the assistant principal viola for the American Composers Orchestra.^[4] She performed with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra,^[1] the Houston Symphony,^[5] New York City Ballet Orchestra, and the New York City Opera Orchestra. Ritscher was a member of the Aureus Piano Quartet the Azure Ensemble as well as playing in many other chamber music ensembles^[6][7] and festivals.

As a new music collaborator, Ritscher commissioned and performed new works by composers such as by Chen Yi,^[8] Bruce Adolphe, Judith Shatin,^[9] and Gabriela Lena Frank.

As a soloist,^[10] she performed many recitals,^[11] and appeared with the Westchester Philharmonic, the Dallas Chamber Orchestra, the Colonial Symphony of New Jersey, the Texas Music Festival Orchestra, and the Texas Chamber Symphony.^[3]

Ritscher served on the faculties of the Manhattan School of Music,^[1] Rice University,^[12] the Mannes College of Music, Oberlin Conservatory,^[13] the Eastman School of Music,^[14] Boston University, and as a guest for masterclasses in the United States, Asia, and Europe. She served on the faculty of the Karen Tuttle Coordination Workshop from its inception in 2002.^[3]

As an extension of her teaching practice dedicated to movement, Ritscher was also a certified 5Rhythms® Movement teacher,^[15] and led workshops and clinics often combining the exploration of movement with the art of self-expression as a musician.

As an academic, Ritscher published many articles on practice, physicality, and performance.^[16] She was the string consultant for Madeline Bruser's book, "The Art of Practicing; A Guide to Making Music from the Heart." Additionally, Ritscher co-authored The Karen Tuttle Legacy: A Resource and Guide for Viola Students, Teachers, and Performers (Carl Fischer Music).^[17][18]