2024 Spring Soloist Liam Connor

Violist Liam Connor, 17, a senior at Sehome High School, is a lifelong musician who began his musical journey with viola lessons from Betsy Stuen-Walker when he was two years old. Soon after, he began studying piano, music theory, composition, and improvisation with Andrea Rackl. Liam has been involved with North Sound Youth Symphony since the age of eight. He has also played with Bellingham Youth Chamber Players and Seattle Youth Symphony. Liam has won competitions such as the regional Solo and Ensemble contest and BMC strings competition, and earned seats in ensembles at the state, national and international levels. He has attended summer chamber music programs around the country. In addition to viola and piano, Liam plays violin and guitar. He enjoys the connections he makes with people through music and is grateful to the many local teachers and coaches who have shaped his musical experience, such as school orchestra directors Morgan Schwab and Kirstin Doud, and the directors and coaches of NSYS and BYCP. Liam thanks his family and friends for their love and support. This fall, Liam will study viola performance at McGill University, in Montreal, Canada.