Born in Ukraine, violist Andriy Viytovych graduated from the Lviv Conservatory and the International Menuhin Music Academy in Switzerland, where he studied under Professors Alberto Lysy and Johannes Eskaer—mentors who had a formative influence on his development both as a performer and a recording artist in concerto and chamber music.

In 1996, he moved to London and joined the London Symphony Orchestra as Co-Principal Viola. Four years later, he was appointed Principal Viola of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. That same year, he also began his tenure as Professor of Viola at the Royal College of Music in London, where he continues to teach and mentor a new generation of violists.

Andriy has held guest principal positions with leading orchestras across the UK and Europe, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, English Sinfonia, London Sinfonietta, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He has worked under some of the world's most esteemed conductors, including Mstislav Rostropovich, Pierre Boulez, Sir Colin Davis, Sir Simon Rattle, Bernard Haitink, and Sir Georg Solti. In March 2003, at the invitation of Sir Simon Rattle, he performed as guest principal viola with the Berliner Philharmoniker.

As a soloist and chamber musician, Andriy has toured extensively throughout Europe, the USA, Japan, Argentina, and Russia. He has appeared at international festivals such as the Solsona Festival (Spain), Cortona Festival (Italy), and the BBC Proms in London. His repertoire spans the full spectrum of major viola concertos, as well as solo recitals and chamber music performances with piano and small ensemble. His playing has been praised for its depth, expressiveness, and effortless technical command.

Andriy is a devoted chamber musician whose collaborative work includes performances with Camerata Lysy Gstaad, the London Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players, the Razumovsky Ensemble, the Russian Chamber Orchestra of London, and the Soloists of the Royal Opera House. These partnerships reflect his ongoing commitment to musical dialogue and ensemble artistry. He also currently serves as Principal Viola of the English Sinfonia.

Balancing prominent orchestral roles with a vibrant life as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator, Andriy Viytovych continues to bring a rich, expressive voice to the international classical music stage—shaped by decades of experience and a passion for sharing music with others.

(Photo by Natalia Chizhova)