Violas

Wayne Brooks, Principal

Wayne Brooks has served as principal violist of the Houston Symphony since 1985. Born in Los Angeles, Brooks joined the orchestra in 1977 as associate principal violist after graduating from the Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia)...



Joan DerHovsepian, Associate Principal

Joan DerHovsepian, viola, became a member of the Houston Symphony in 1999, after serving two seasons as principal viola of the...



George Pascal, Assistant Principal



Wei Jiang

Born in China, Wei Jiang began studying violin at the age of 5 with his Father and studied viola after being admitted to the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. He graduated with the highest honor from the Conservatory and subsequently...


Linda Goldstein

Linda Goldstein, viola, has been a member of the Houston Symphony viola section since 1981. Originally from Columbia, SC, she received her bachelor’s degree from...




Sheldon Person

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, violist Sheldon Person currently lives and works in Houston, Texas, where he is a member of the Houston Symphony. He was previously a member of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and has...


Fay Shapiro

Fay Shapiro, viola, was born, raised and educated in Iowa. After spending one season with...


Daniel Strba

Daniel Strba, viola, began his career at age 17 as a member of the United States Army Chamber Orchestra performing for official state functions...


Thomas Molloy

Phyllis Herdliska