Andra Darzins, Viola
Andra Darzins, born in Adelaide, began viola lessons at the age of 10. She studied in Adelaide and in Berlin with Wolfram Christ, finishing the soloists exam, "Konzertexamen", with distinction.
Further studies with Kim Kashkashian and Hatto Beyerle and mastercourses rounded of her education.
She is prizewinner of the ABC Concerto Competition in Austrtalia, the International Music competition in Geneva and
the "Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition" in Great Britain.
From 1993- 2003 Andra Darzins was principal viola of the Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra and from 1998 a professor at the "Hochschule für Musik und Theater" in Hamburg. 2003 she was guest professor at the "Hanns Eisler Hochschule für Musik" in Berlin, substituting Tabea Zimmermann. From 2004 Andra Darzins is professor for Viola at the "Hochschule für Musik" in Stuttgart.
Andra Darzins is an active concert musician, both as a soloist and in various chamber music groups. Conductors with whom she has performed include Wolfgang Sawallisch, Gerd Albrecht and Ingo Metzmacher. She performs in various european music festivals (Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, International Enescu Festival, Recontres Musicales de Haute- Provence, Kammermusikfest Hopfgarten).
Being of latvian descent, Andra regularly plays and teaches in Latvia and has a special interest in latvian music.
Andra Darzins enjoys performing contemporary music. She has premiered various works for viola, some of which were written for her.