Allyson Goodman

Allyson Goodman was appointed principal violist of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra/Washington National Opera Orchestra in 2014, joining as the youngest member of the ensemble. She performs solo and chamber recitals regularly at the Kennedy Center and is a frequent performer with the National Chamber Players. As the recipient of numerous awards and competition prizes, Allyson has also appeared as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician across the country. Allyson’s primary teachers include renowned pedagogue Roland Vamos and James Dunham of the Grammy-winning Cleveland Quartet. After completing her studies, Allyson spent one year as a viola fellow with the New World Symphony, under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. She spends her summers performing at the Grand Teton Music Festival and the Caroga Lake Chamber Music Festival, and is also an artist-faulty member of the Aspen Music Festival and School this summer. A passionate educator, she serves as a mentor for exceptionally gifted students through the D.C. Youth Orchestra program. When she’s not playing and teaching the viola, Allyson enjoys exploring Washington D.C. on her bicycle.