Mary Persin

Mary Persin was appointed Vice President of Artistic Planning of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in January 2017.  Mary, a native of Greensburg, Pennsylvania began violin lessons at the age of two years old before making viola her primary focus after winning a scholarship to Chautauqua Institution.  She went on to a dynamic career as a soloist, chamber musician and arts leader.  Her professional career began as a founding member and violist of the Biava Quartet, recognized as one of the most distinguished and accomplished American string quartets.  Together with the group, she performed to acclaim worldwide for twelve seasons and at venues throughout North America, Europe, and Asia including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center and Wigmore Hall in London.  Mary is the winner of the prestigious international Naumburg Chamber Music Award, as well as top prizes at the London International, Premio Borciani, and Fischoff Competitions.  Additionally, she has appeared as soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra and Knoxville, Asheville and Westmoreland Symphony Orchestras.  Mary Persin is a graduate with highest honors from the Juilliard School, Yale University, the New England Conservatory of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music.  Together with the Biava Quartet, she held residencies at Juilliard, Yale and the New England Conservatory of Music.  She is married to conductor Daniel Meyer and mother of Leo,  their 5-year-old son.