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, where he has already performed several 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. He is also a member of the Athena string
quartet and the WNO flute, viola & harp ensemble. He recently
joined the Cardiff based viola quartet, Absolute Zero, and has
established a viola duo, Bow Jest. Most recently, he has started to
explore the repertoire for guitar, flute and viola.
In 2000, 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.