VC Artist violist Timothy Ridout will be leading a viola masterclass at the Royal Academy of Music on Tuesday, June 20. This opportunity comes ahead of his upcoming position as Visiting Professor of Music, which will commence in September 2023.

Reflecting on his connection with the institution, Ridout expressed his deep appreciation, stating, "Ever since I set foot in the building at the age of 13, the Academy has always felt like a musical home to me." He enthusiastically embraced the role of Visiting Professor and eagerly looks forward to collaborating closely with a new generation of aspiring musicians.

Timothy Ridout, recipient of the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society 2023 Young Artist Award, graduated from the Academy in 2016, receiving the Queen's Commendation for Excellence. Since then, he has established himself as one of the most highly sought-after violists of his generation.

Ridout frequently performs as a soloist with renowned orchestras worldwide. In recent seasons, he has made notable debuts with esteemed ensembles such as the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Orchestre de Chambre de Paris, Hamburger Symphoniker, and Orchestre National de Lille, among others. In the current season, he is scheduled to collaborate with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Symphony, and Netherlands Chamber Orchestra.

Having completed his studies under the tutelage of Martin Outram and Nobuko Imai at London's Royal Academy of Music and the Kronberg Academy, Ridout's impressive achievements include winning first prizes at the Lionel Tertis and Cecil Aronowitz International Viola Competitions. He is also a regular recording artist for the Harmonia Mundi label.

In addition, the Royal Academy of Music has announced that Robert Cohen will be appointed as the William Pleeth Professor of Cello in recognition of his exceptional career and dedication to teaching at the Academy for the past 27 years. The position is named after the renowned pedagogue William Pleeth, who profoundly influenced and inspired several generations of musicians, including his son Anthony, Jacqueline du Pré, and Robert Cohen.