Vietnam’s Sun Symphony Orchestra Hires New Assistant Principal Viola

Filipino violist Gerry Varona will assume the role after spending most of his career in Brazil

Based in Hanoi, the Sun Symphony Orchestra (SSO) was founded in 2017 and is led by its music director and Principal Conductor, Olivier Ochanine. 

The SSO has now welcomed Gerry Varona to the position of Assistant Principal Viola. Prior to this position, Varona was a member of Brazil’s Orquestra Filarmônica de Minas Gerais.

Hailing from the Philippines, Varona began music studies at the age of 10 playing the ukulele, piano, and violin, but focused his efforts on playing the viola at age 14.  

In 2005, he moved to the U.S., where he attended Louisiana State University (LSU) and completed a master’s degree in viola at Indiana University’s (IU) Jacobs School of Music. Among his mentors were Jerzy Kosmala, Atar Arad, Matthew Daline, and Joel Smirnof of the Juilliard Quartet.

Varona’s accolades include prizes at the National Music Competition (Philippines), the Louisiana Viola Society Competition, the LSU Concerto Competition, and the IU Concerto Competition.

As a soloist, he has performed with the IU Chamber, LSU Symphony, Musicoop, and Peace Philharmonic Philippines. He served as principal viola at the IU Philharmonic, and as assistant principal viola of the Evansville Philharmonic, Baton Rouge Symphony, Acadiana Symphony, and Owensboro Symphony. Varona has also premiered pieces written for him by several composers.

“The Sun Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to welcome our newest member, violist Gerry Varona,” the SSO posted on Facebook. “Originally from the Philippines, Gerry has spent much of his career as an orchestral violist in Brazil, where he performed with the Orquestra Filarmônica de Minas Gerais. He joins the SSO as Associate Principal Viola, and we couldn't be happier to have him with us!”

“Thank you so much for having me, The Sun Symphony Orchestra, Hanoi!” Varona responded in the comments. “I am deeply honored and humbled to be part of the team. Special thanks to Maestro Olivier Ochanine. I eagerly look forward to the future!”