Today’s jolt of joy is brought to us by 16-year-old violist Zach Grunwald and collaborative pianist Lisa Leonard. Performing an excerpt from Brahms’ Viola Sonata in F minor, Zach’s performance is both grounded and uplifting. We think it behooves us to bask in beautiful Brahms. Try it now!
If you’re having trouble viewing the video, try this link.
Lake Worth, Florida Zach performs on Show 480.
Zach Grunwald (viola), 16, is a junior at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he studies chamber music and orchestra. At Dreyfoos, he started a viola class and ensemble to build community within the viola studio and share his love for the instrument.
Zach is a private student of Sheila Browne at Lynn University in Boca Raton. He has been invited for four consecutive years to rehearse and perform with the Florida All-State Orchestra and has received top ratings and awards at the Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) Solo and Ensemble Festival. He has had the opportunity to participate in the Karen Tuttle Viola Workshop, learning from many of today’s leading violists, and has performed at venues including the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, the Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University, and the Elley-Long Music Center and McCarthy Arts Center in Colchester, Vermont. His musical travels have taken him to Vienna, Prague, and Salzburg, with upcoming performances in Edinburgh and London. Zach has attended the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival for two summers and performs regularly with Music for Mending Minds, a nonprofit that brings live music to nursing homes and children’s hospitals.
When Zach is not playing the viola, he enjoys conducting, composing, birdwatching, and fishing.
Receiving the award will support Zach by allowing him to purchase a new bow and case for his instrument. The award funds will also support his attendance at a summer festival, and cover the travel and tuition fees for upcoming consultation lessons, allowing him to meet and take lessons with potential college professors as he prepares for his college auditions.
Music has the unique ability to bring joy to our lives – especially in the hands of young people. Daily Joy is a reminder of music’s power to uplift, inspire, and unite.
Daily Joy is a project of From the Top. It began in the very early days of the Covid-19 pandemic and continues today to offer a much-needed respite from the anxiety and worry that we encounter in the world.
From the Top is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the stories and artistry of young musicians through media and leadership programs. Learn more.
From the Top is grateful to the Richard K. Lubin Family Foundation for their generous support of Daily Joy.
Have questions? Email us at info@fromthetop.org.
HELP US SPREAD JOY!
We started Daily Joy as a reminder that music has the power to lift our spirits and make us smile.
We need your help to keep the joy coming! Make a tax-deductible donation today to support our work and help us spread joy!
Daily Joy is a program of From the Top, an independent non-profit organization that relies on support from individuals. Your support will help ensure From the Top's work of celebrating the joy, talents, and stories of extraordinary young musicians.