Spain
Antoine Tamestit stands as a singular voice in the world of classical music, redefining what it means to be a viola player in the 21st century. Tamestit has captivated audiences and critics alike, bringing a fresh perspective to both beloved masterpieces and contemporary works. His unique artistry, marked by an unparalleled sensitivity and a profound connection to his instrument, places him among the most distinguished musicians of our time.
In 24/25 season, Antoine will be featuring as Artist-in-Residence with Radio France, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, and Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León as well as making important debuts with Chicago Symphony Orchestra and NHK Symphony Orchestra. As a recitalist, he will embark on several tours including a quintet tour with Isabelle Faust and a trio tour with Sir András Schiff and Jörg Widmann.
In recent seasons, Antoine has performed with orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris, and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra among many others. He performs regularly with major conductors including Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Daniel Harding, Paavo Järvi, Klaus Mäkelä, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Sir Antonio Pappano, Kirill Petrenko, Sir Simon Rattle, Francois-Xavier Roth, Christian Thielemann, and Jaap van Zweden.
Among the most important pieces premiered by Antoine Tamestit are Jörg Widmann’s Viola Concerto, Thierry Escaich’s La Nuit des Chants, Bruno Mantovani’s Concerto for Two Violas with Tabea Zimmermann, as well as Gérard Tamestit’s Sakura and Olga Neuwirth’s Remnants of Songs and Weariness Heals Wounds. In 23/24 season, he premiered Nikodijevich’s Psalmodija with the SWR Symphony Orchestra; Filidei’s Viola Concerto with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.
He was also a founding member of Trio Zimmermann with Frank Peter Zimmermann and Christian Poltera performing in Europe’s most famous concert halls for more than 10 years. As a passionate chamber musician, Antoine performs regularly with Emmanuel Ax, Martin Fröst, Leonidas Kavakos, Yo-Yo Ma, Emmanuel Pahud, Yuja Wang, Shai Wosner, and the Quatuor Ébène.
Antoine Tamestit plays on the very first viola made by Antonio Stradivarius in 1672, generously loaned by the Habisreutinger Foundation.
