International Viola Sensation Joins RNCM

The RNCM is pleased to announce that world-renowned violist Garth Knox has been appointed International Tutor in Viola, commencing in September 2013.

Garth, who is set to present a speciality class to students on November 1, specialises in new music and contemporary classical music. He performs with the Arditti Quartet and Ensemble Intercontemporain, and collaborates regularly with many of today’s leading composers. 

Speaking of his new appointment, he said: ‘I'm looking forward to setting a Creative Viola Studio which will prepare some very high level students for the changeable and challenging musical landscape waiting for them when they leave institutions and face the real world.

‘Safe jobs in orchestras do still exist, but are becoming harder and harder to find, so young players need to have an open and creative outlook when thinking about their future. Small ensembles, whether for Baroque, Classical or Contemporary music are now real possibilities for which they have to be trained.They need to be able to play in any style and be very quick learners, readers and improvisers. They also need to learn how to create their own possibilities for musical activities.

‘My idea is also that the class should create repertoire, learning techniques and musical resources which can be shared with other classes, other instruments and even other disciplines.’

1 November 2012