Viola

Sonya Parkin, Principal Viola

Barbara Dow

Sonya has loved music ever since she discovered Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik at the age of 5. She played piano throughout her school years but started playing violin after hearing a live performance of a string orchestra (consisting of local school children) performing Vivaldi. It seemed like so much fun that she decided to try and participate. She’s been playing--and loving every minute of it! -- with the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra since 2006.

Barbara has been surrounded by music her entire life. Her first instrument was the piano. Barbara took up the violin in high school and thoroughly enjoyed playing in its orchestra. She attributes her passion for music to the enthusiastic approach taken by her high school orchestra director, John MacDougall. After a 30-year hiatus, Barbara picked up the violin again but quickly switched to viola. She has been a member of the NCO since 2008 and continues to work on her viola skills under the tutelage of Karl Rainer.

Carole Pedler

Ann Smith

Biography is unavailable.