Power Pair: Two violas, two orchestras and one marriage  

There aren’t many jobs for people who play viola, let alone top viola jobs. 

The Twin Cities is rare in having two professional orchestras with viola sections. That’s what makes it possible for Maiya Papach and Rebecca Albers to chase their music dreams and create a life together in Minnesota. 

Maiya Papach is the principal violist of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. 

Rebecca Albers is the principal violist of the Minnesota Orchestra.  

Coming up at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the latest couple in her Power Pairs series about how to gracefully play a supporting role in music and in marriage.  

And we want to hear from you, too.  

What questions do you have for our Power Pair? Do you listen to classical music or attend orchestra or chamber music performances? What do you enjoy about it? Have you ever noticed the violas?   

Call 651-227-6000 or 800-242-2828 during the 9 a.m. hour.  

Guests:  

• Maiya Papach joined The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra in 2008 and was named principal violist in 2013. She is a founding member of the International Contemporary Ensemble and plays chamber music with various other groups, including the Twin Cities-based Accordo. She is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory and the Juilliard School.  

• Rebecca Albers joined the Minnesota Orchestra in 2010 and won the position of principal viola in 2017. She also performs with chamber groups, including Accordo, Musicians from Marlboro and the Albers Trio, an ensemble formed with her sisters Laura and Julie Albers. She received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Juilliard School.   
  

Click here to listen to more of our Power Pairs interviews. And we’d love to hear your ideas for future Power Pairs. Send us your submissions here.  

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