Steven Laraia, viola

 Described by the Boston Musical Intelligencer as a violist who “brings personality to his viola’s distinctive deep, warm voice,” Steven O. Laraia served as Principal Violist of the Sarasota Orchestra for the 2015-2019 seasons and joins the Boston Symphony starting in the Fall of 2019. Steven has collaborated with such artists as Miriam Fried, Kim Kashkashian, Roger Tapping, Soovin Kim, Bonnie Hampton, and Ida Kavafian, among others. Laraia recieved his Bachelors & Masters of Music from the New England Conservatory and was the recipient of the 2012-2014 Abraham Skernick Memorial Presidential Scholarship. During his time at NEC, Steven won the 2012 NEC Concerto Competition, 1st Prize in the 2014 Hellam Competition, 2nd Prize in the 2012 MUSICCAS International Young Artists Competition, the 2014 Borromeo Guest Artist Award and was a 3rd place laureate in the 11th Annual Sphinx Competition. Steven has played concerts with groups such as Sejong Soloists, A Far Cry, the Sphinx Virtuosi and the Boston Philharmonic. Laraia has participated in festivals such the Yellow Barn Music festival, The Lake Champlain Music Festival and Ravinia Steans Music Institute. Steven has played concerts in the US, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, the Czech Republic and Cuba. Laraia's former teachers include Kim Kashkashian Dimitri Murrath, Cathy Basrak, Byrnina Socolofsky, and Che-Hung Chen. Steven is currently faculty at Florida Southern College.