The Musicians
Merryn Ledbetter Corsat (Viola)
Member of the JSO: Since 1968
Hometown: Jacksonville
Education: Bachelor of Music, Jacksonville University; Master of Music, University of Wisconsin at Madison
Other instruments played: Her bachelor’s degree is in piano performance and after years of idle threats, she has begun studying the harp.
Other hats worn: In 2006, Merryn retired as the orchestra’s personnel manager for 17 years.
Why the viola? “It’s the voice of the soul.”
Accomplishments: Merryn is a musician with "Body & Soul -- The Art of Healing," an organization founded by JSO Principal Tubist James Jenkins, which provides musical outreach to patients in area hospitals, nursing homes, hospice and retirement communities.
Solo appearances: Harbison’s Viola Concerto, Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto for Two Violas, Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante, and Hindemith’s Kammermusik for Viola and Orchestra. In March 2003 she was featured in Strauss’ tone poem Don Quioxte.
Favorite moment in Jacksonville Symphony history: The inaugural concert in Jacoby Symphony Hall!
Family: Husband, Robert.
Pets: Three cats -- Molly, Conrad and Pinky (née Bitsy)
Favorite Composer: Brahms
Passion: Georgia Bulldogs football
Hobbies/leisure activities: Merryn likes to spend her free time in the north Georgia mountains. She and her husband enjoy camping in their 17-foot travel trailer and plan to drive to Alaska in May, 2008.