Rivka Golani, Viola Soloist

25th Anniversary Season

Rivka Golani is recognized as one of the great violists and musicians of modern times. BBC magazine included her in its list of the 200 most important instrumentalists and the five most important violists currently concertizing. Her contributions to the advancement of viola technique have already given her a place in the history of the instrument and have been a source of inspiration not only to other players but also to many composers who have been motivated by her mastery to write specially for the viola. More than 215 pieces have been written for her, of which more than 50 are concertos, a record matched by no other violist in history.

Ms. Golani's awesome technique, riveting stage presence, and superbly sensitive musicianship have made her a favourite with music-lovers and critics alike. Allied to her technical ability, Rivka Golani's approach to the instrument is at once passionate and sensitive; and her performances, both on record and in the concert hall, reveal the originality of interpretation and musicianship of a great artist.

Familiar to audiences throughout the world, Rivka Golani has performed as soloist with the BBC Symphony, BBC Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw, Israel Philharmonic, Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra, Montreal Symphony and many others. Her on-stage charisma unfailingly adds excitement to her appearances, and her reputation as a teacher draws students from all over the world to her master classes.

What do the critics think of Rivka Golani? James North of Fanfare Magazine best summarized her stature in the music world in suggesting she is " . . . carving out a place of her own that no other performer on the instrument can reach." And here is what the Financial Times in Britain had to say recently after one of her performances: Rivka Golani is ". . . at the head of today's supreme viola virtuosi - white-hot in delivery, kaleidoscopic in tone colours, electrifying in rhythmic attack." The Boston Herald is, if anything, more effusive: ". . . riveting, intensely physical stage presence . . . hurtling momentum, constant risk-taking, complete technical assurance."

Rivka Golani is also a painter of distinction, and has worked closely with composers as a visual artist in presenting multi-media performances of works for viola and orchestra. Exhibitions of her paintings have been held throughout Britain, Germany, Israel and North America.