Leslie Perna

Leslie Perna is a Professor of Viola and Chamber Music at the University of Missouri, serving as violist of the Esterhazy Quartet (ensemble-in-residence at MU) and the Concordia String Trio. She holds a Master of Music from Boston University and a Bachelor of Music from Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory. Her career spans performance, teaching, and recording across three continents.

Education:

• Bachelor of Music, Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory
• Master of Music, Boston University

Research interests include classical performance traditions, contemporary music commissioning, and interdisciplinary chamber music collaborations. She has performed with major orchestras, including the Yamagata Symphony Orchestra in Japan, and led chamber music programs in institutions across North America.

Awards:

• Artaria Quartet recognized as one of ten leading young quartets by Banff International String Quartet Competition
• Selected for National Endowment for the Arts Rural Residency Program with Artaria Quartet

Teaching and grants:

• Directed chamber music programs at Tanglewood Institute, University of Southern Maine, and Viterbo University
• Presented masterclasses at Florida State University, Boston Conservatory, and other institutions

Labs/teams:

• Esterhazy Quartet (MU ensemble-in-residence)
• Concordia String Trio