Antoine Tamestit, violist
I am still trying to figure out what brought about my loving the sound of the viola. Perhaps my mother went to a concert by some amazing viola player, before I was born. Every chance I get, I like to listen to new viola talent. I actually heard Antoine Tamestit at a live concert in New York City in 2006. Here I am discovering what’s new with his career and performance. One thing is for sure: He plays on a terrific Stradivarius instrument. You can hear it for yourself, below…
Antoine Tamestit was born in Paris and studied with Jean Sulem, Jesse Levine and Tabea Zimmermann. He was the recipient of several coveted prizes which launched him at the highest level:
• First Prize at the Maurice Vieux Competition (Paris, 2000)
• William Primrose Competition (Chicago, 2001)
• First Prize at the Young Concert Artists (YCA) International Auditions which led to his New York, Boston and Washington recital debuts in 2003.
• In September 2004, he took First Prize at the 53rd ARD Munich International Music Competition.
• In April 2004, Antoine Tamestit was selected to participate in BBC Radio 3’s New Generation Artists Scheme
Mr. Tamestit is one of the winners of the Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award 2006, as well as laureate the Förderpreis Deutschlandfunk in 2008 and of the Crédit Suisse Young Artist Award 2009.
Please listen to Viola player Antoine Tamestit performing Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata:
And here is one of my favorite works for viola:
Johannes Brahms’ Viola sonata Op.120, performed by Antoine Tamestit, viola, and Cédric Tiberghien, piano live in 2010 (20 minutes of music). Brahms completed this sonata as a clarinet sonata in 1894. Brahms also produced a transcription of this work for viola with alterations in order to better suit the solo part to a string instrument.
Tags: Antoine Tamestit, viola, Brahms, Schubert