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Glêsse Collet, viola
Like so many “Brasilienses” who embody the spirit of the city, Glêsse Collet came from Rio de Janeiro when she was six years old. At the University of Brasília, she attended classes with Prof. Valeska Hadelich. From 1975 to 81, she studied in Germany where she attended the Higher School of Music in Detmold, concluding her viola studies in 1981, under Prof. Ernst Mayer-Schierning. In 2002, she obtained the title of PhD in Viola, from the Federal University of Bahia, with a thesis on “Tuning in String Instruments (Violin and Viola)”.
She is one of the founding members of the Quarteto de Brasília (Brasília Quartet). The group recorded nine CDs, having received the Sharp Prize, for the “best classical music CD” in 1993, the OK Prize in 1995, the Federal District Cultural Merit Order Award in 2001 and the 9th Carlos Gomes Prize for Classical Music in the category “Best Chamber Music Ensemble of the Year”, in 2004. As a member of the Quarteto de Brasília, she has performed all over the world and has represented Brazil at performances and embassies in many countries. She has performed for high ranking dignitaries including the Presidents of Brazil, Portugal, Germany and the United States and the Prince and Princess of Wales. She recently retired from the faculty of the Music Department at the University of Brasília where she taught Viola, Chamber Music and String Orchestra. She founded the University of Brasília String Orchestra in January 2002. The group is composed of students from the Music Department of the University of Brasilia and focuses on the exploration and dissemination of the repertoire for string orchestras, with particular emphasis on Brazilian music. It is a conductorless ensemble that often features dancers and other choreographed selections.