British violist Richard Waters is the recently appointed Principal Viola of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his orchestral duties, he maintains an active freelance career that includes orchestral, solo and chamber music performances.
Previously, Richard served as Co-Principal Viola with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and has frequently acted as a guest principal with esteemed ensembles such as the Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Sinfonietta and Aurora Orchestra. His notable solo engagements include performing Strauss's Don Quixote with the London Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Vladimir Jurowski and Kristine Blaumane. He’s excited to be performing Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 2027, a piece he has cherished since childhood, playing it with his sister on violin and his mother on piano.
An avid chamber musician, Richard has appeared at prestigious venues worldwide, from Wigmore Hall in London to Iguazu Falls in Brazil. His performances have garnered significant acclaim, with critics praising him: ‘The highlights were the solo passages of Richard Waters’ viola (…) elegantly played, delicately balanced’ (Bachtrack) and ‘the solos, led by principal viola Richard Waters, seemed especially unearthly’ (The Arts Desk).
Richard began his musical studies with Patricia Noall in Cornwall, enduring regular travel sickness on his way to lessons – Patricia couldn’t believe he still wanted to learn! He furthered his education at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Mark Knight, earning a Concert Recital Diploma, and then at the Royal Academy of Music with Paul Silverthorne, where he received a DipRAM.
Richard was elected an associate of the Royal Academy of Music in 2018.