Philip Heyman
Philip Heyman gave his concerto debut aged eleven, and went on to study at the Royal College of Music, winning three major viola prizes.
On graduation he was immediately offered a permanent post with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, with whom he toured extensively and appeared in many Prom concerts. Subsequently he accepted the position of Sub-Principal Viola with English National Opera where he remained for nine years. During this time he worked with many major British orchestras and ensembles, as well as giving recitals and teaching.
In 1998 he took up his current position as Principal Viola for Welsh National Opera, and has subsequently performed many of the major orchestral solos, some on radio and television. He has been invited as guest Principal with many national orchestras and groups including CBSO, RPO, BSO and RLPO.
As a member of the viola/piano duo Altitude he continues to give solo recitals, consultations and teaches, both privately and at Cardiff University. He was a member of the Cardiff based viola quartet Absolute Zero and has also started to explore the repertoire for guitar, flute & viola as a member of Still Life with Guitar
In 2002, Philip became the owner of Europe's first Pellegrina pomposa model viola; an instrument he considers to be a significant innovation in string design and which he feels privileged to champion.