Rivka Golani
Rivka Golani is recognized as one of the outstanding violists of modern times. 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 the many composers who have been inspired by her mastery to write for the viola. More than 250 works have been composed for Golani so far, including 61 concertos; a record matched by no other violist in history.
She has performed as a soloist with many of the world's most prominent orchestras, including the BBC Symphony, BBC Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Halle, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebow, Royal Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Tokyo Metropolitan, Montreal Symphony, Toronto Symphony, and countless others.
An inspiring teacher, Golani draws students from all over the world to her master classes. She is a professor at Trinity College of Music, London.
What do the critics think of Golani? James North of America's Fanfare Magazine, in a glowing appraisal of her work, wrote that she is "carving out a place of her own that no other performer on the instrument can reach." London’s Financial Times clearly agrees: "Rivka Golani (is) ...a supreme viola virtuoso - white-hot in delivery, kaleidoscopic in tone colours, electrifying in rhythmic attack." For an even more effusive testimony, we might try the Boston Herald: "...riveting, intensely physical stage presence...hurtling momentum, constant risk-taking, complete technical assurance....one can only be grateful that she dedicated herself to art rather than warfare, for she would be an awesome adversary." Finally, a tribute from Geoffrey Crankshaw of Musical Opinion, following a recent recital at Wigmore Hall: "No nobler music-making could be imagined than this eloquent performance.... the grand tradition brought to the service of inspired musical insight."
Golani has made many CD recordings with orchestras as well as solo and accompanied recitals. Landmark concerto recordings include works by Elgar, Colgrass, Britten, Berlioz, Bloch, Bax, Martinu, among others.
Born in Israel, Golani trained at the Music Academy of Tel Aviv (now part of the University of Ramat Aviv) with the great violist and composer Oeden Partos. At the age of 23, she became a member of the Israel Philharmonic.
She moved to Canada in the mid-1970s, where she taught at the University of Toronto and began her solo career. She now makes her home in London, England.
