Tabea Zimmermann

One of the few major violists who did not train initially as a violinist, Tabea Zimmermann is noted for her blemishless tonal purity and charismatic musical personality. Born in Lahr, Germany, in 1966, she began studying viola aged three, and then took lessons with violist Ulrich Koch and violinist/conductor Sándor Végh. From 1983, her playing style was complemented by the autumnal woodiness of her 1980 Étienne Vatelot viola, awarded following her win at the first Maurice Vieux International Viola Competition. This remained her principal instrument until 2019, when she changed to a new viola made for her by renowned French luthier Patrick Robin. Although a gifted soloist, as witnessed by her captivating live performance of Berlioz’ Harold in Italy with the LSO and Colin Davis (rec. 2003), Zimmermann has devoted much of her career to performing chamber works. Her lifelong dedication to contemporary music has also inspired a raft of important new pieces, including Sally Beamish’s Second Viola Concerto “The Seafarer” (BIS, 2007), Ligeti’s Sonata for Solo Viola (Sony, 1998) and Enno Poppe’s Filz (Wergo, 2020).