Violist Elizabeth Cregan first heard the rich sound of the viola as a ten year old while attending a concert in her elementary school gym. The violist demonstrating her instrument that day had a beautiful sound, and says her world changed from that moment. Having never heard a viola before, she knew THAT was what she wanted to do – make that heavenly sound. Her first teacher, Tom Hageman, was her most influential teacher. Other significant pedagogues include Karen Tuttle, Lillian Fuchs and Roland Vemos. She received her degree in viola performance from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Cregan has performed concerti and solo recitals in the U.S., Japan, Ireland and England. Two of her most memorable performances include premiering the Shulman Viola Concerto in her ancestral homeland of Ireland and performing with her favorite rock band, The Who. She is one of the most active freelance violists in the Twin Cities and has performed with some of the finest ensembles in Minnesota. Elizabeth teaches at St. Catherine University and maintains a private studio in her home. She founded the St. Paul Viola Choir which performs community concerts throughout the metro area.
Cregan is a founding member of the Million Mom March – a national organization dedicated to the prevention of gun violence. She developed the Victim Advocate Program for gun violence survivors and has been a lobbyist for sensible gun legislation in Minnesota. Her hobbies include reading, yoga, cross-country skiing, sailing and swimming. She participates in the two-mile Lake Superior open-water swim race from Bayfield, WI to Madeline Island. She and her husband live in St. Paul with their pride and joy – teenage children, Joe and Lily, along with their cat, Goldie, and their dog, Dodger.
