Performing

Suzanne regularly performs recitals, chamber music, as soloist with orchestra, as well as playing with many orchestras around the tri-state area.   Recent performances include:


  • Viola and Piano recital with Liang-Fang Chang at Saugatuck Congregational Church, including a premier of Kevin J. Issacs Water Sonata, written for the duo
  • Mozart Sinfonia Concertante with violinist Andrew Smith and conductor Chris Hisey with the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestra
  • Mozart Sinfonia Concertante with violinist Gregory Lee and conductor Victor Liva at PAI in Kingston, PA
  • Viola and Piano Recital with Mansoon Han Kim as part of the Van Vliek Recital Series in Montclair, NJ and again at The Kaufman Music Center in NYC
  • Telemann Double Concerto with William Preucil, Sr as part of the Five Seasons Chamber Music Festival in Cedar Rapids, Iowa 

Instruments
​Suzanne's longtime viola is an English instrument by William Forster, made in 1775.  She also recently welcomed a viola by Christopher Thorp to her instrument family.  Completed in New York City in May 2022, the viola is based on a Guadagnini pattern.


In April 2024, Suzanne added a violin, also by Christopher Thorp, NYC. Finished in 2022, it is modeled after the Guarneri "Plowden" violin.



Photo from the Preucil celebration at the 2014 SAA Conference in Minneapolis.  

About

​An avid chamber musician, violist and violinist Suzanne Wagor has collaborated with numerous artists, including members of the Tokyo String Quartet, the Nash Ensemble of London, and the Peabody Trio.   Known for her sensitive and passionate playing, she is equally skilled at conveying the intricacies of the inner voices, as well as bringing a unique lyrical quality to melodic lines. 


Suzanne holds a B.M. from the Oberlin Conservatory, an M.M. from the Juilliard School, a Performance Diploma in Orchestral Training from the Guildhall School of Music, with additional chamber music studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her principal teachers include William Preucil, Sr., Doris Preucil, Jeffrey Irvine, Lynne Ramsey, Ian Swensen, Roger Chase, Heidi Castleman, and Misha Amory.  A native of Iowa, Suzanne made her concerto debut at the age of 15 with the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra, and she has twice been a finalist of the American String Teachers Association National Competition.  Suzanne is a founding member of Five Seasons Chamber Music, and performs regularly in New York City and internationally, with performances in the Europe and around the US.​

Education

  • ​The Juilliard School: Master of Music, Viola Performance (2006), under Heidi Castleman and Misha Amory
  • Guildhall School of Music and Drama: Post-Graduate Diploma in Orchestral Training (2000), under Roger Chase
  • San Francisco Conservatory of Music: Chamber music studies (1998-1999), under Ian Swensen
  • Oberlin Conservatory of Music: Bachelor of Music, Viola Performance (1998) with additional studies (2001-2002), under Jeffrey Irvine and Lynne Ramsey, Roger Chase
  • San Francisco Conservatory of Music: Chamber music studies (1998-1999), under Ian Swensen
  • Preucil School of Music: Pre-college studies (1990-1994), under William Preucil, Sr. and Doris Preucil

Experience

  • Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic--Section violin (2022- )
  • Norwalk Symphony Orchestra--Substitute viola (2021- )
  • Waterbury Symphony Orchestra--Substitute viola (2016- )
  • Distinguished Concerts International--Principal and Section viola (2015-2020)
  • Quatrestax--Viola (2020-2021)
  • School for Strings Faculty Quartet (2008-2012)
  • Five Seasons Chamber Music (1998-2018)
  • Juilliard Orchestra--Principal and Section viola (2004-2006), including Centennial Celebration Orchestra tour to Europe
  • Flagstaff Symphony--Principal Viola (2003-2004)
  • Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra--Principal Viola (2000-2001)
  • Red Cedar Chamber Music (1999-2003)