Viola Master Class with Ruth Gibson

We invite advanced viola students of any age to apply for the opportunity to be part of this master class as part of West Wicklow Chamber Music Festival.

All resumés must include full contact details including applicants’ email and phone (guardians contact details where under 18) along with their proposed repertoire for the master class. Resumés should be emailed to education@nch.ie no later than 11th April 2025.

Ruth Gibson is a violist whose artistry bridges classical tradition and contemporary innovation. Known for her expressive performances and commanding presence, she made her Proms debut in 2021 with the Manchester Collective and Mahan Esfahani, performing Dobrinka Tabakova’s Suite in Old Style.

A champion of modern repertoire, Ruth’s performances have earned critical acclaim. Her recent recording of Caroline Shaw’s In Manus Tuasreceived a five-star review from Gramophone Magazine, highlighting her ability to blend technical brilliance with emotional depth. Equally lauded was her recent performance of Vijay Iyer’s Song for Flintat Wigmore Hall. This dedication to contemporary music extends to her collaboration with SANSARA where she toured Morton Feldman’s Rothko Chapel across the UK and Europe earlier this year.

Ruth’s chamber music career is equally distinguished. As a former member of the Castalian String Quartet and Ensemble 360, she performed widely across major European concert halls, earning recognition for her versatility and sensitivity. She now holds the position of principal violist with Aurora Orchestra, celebrated for its innovative, theatrical approach to performance. She continues to thrive in spaces of improvised music and cross genre in her musical collaboration with Abel Selaocoe and Manchester collective, Sirocco. Such projects have cemented her reputation as a musician who thrives in boundary-pushing environments.

Beyond the concert stage, Ruth is a passionate advocate for her instrument and its repertoire. Her three-part BBC Radio 4 series, The Unsung Hero, brought the viola’s rich history and unique voice to wider audiences. 

Now a dedicated educator, Ruth teaches viola at the Royal Northern College of Music, where she inspires young musicians with her experience and expertise. Her career continues to demonstrate the viola’s versatility and beauty, bringing its sound to life in ways that captivate audiences around the world.

Presented by NCH