Richard Waters

Chair supported by Caroline, Jamie & Zander Sharp

Co-Principal Viola of the London Philharmonic Orchestra since 2019, Richard Waters has also appeared as Principal Viola with the London Sinfonietta, Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, performing in many of the world’s most prestigious venues.

An active chamber musician, Richard has given concerts in Europe, Asia and South America. As a founder member of the prize-winning Bernadel Quartet, he performed at Wigmore Hall, Kings Place and numerous festivals including West Cork.

Richard has also presented his own festival in Devon and Cornwall, where he grew up. As the first Cavatina Chamber Music Fellows at the Royal Academy of Music, the Bernadel Quartet were also selected as the first participants in the ChamberStudio scheme and the Belcea Quartet’s inaugural coaching scheme, with whom they later collaborated to perform Mendelssohn’s Octet.

Studying at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama under Mark Knight and as a postgraduate at the Royal Academy of Music with Paul Silverthorne, Richard achieved the highest honours for his final examinations, the Concert Recital Diploma (GSMD) and the DipRAM from the Royal Academy. In 2018 he was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.

Richard is a keen advocate for contemporary music, working with many leading composers such as George Benjamin, whose virtuoso work Viola, Viola he has performed on numerous occasions, including as part of the composer’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room.