Erich Gruenberg

Although associated with Britain's distinguished classical music scene, this violinist began his musical education in his native city of Vienna. He continued his studies at the Jerusalem Conservatoire, only coming to the United Kingdom at the age of 22. It was shortly after this move that he won the Carl Flesch International Violin Competition, thereby launching him on an international career. He performs an extensive repertoire and is an advocate of contemporary music, having commissioned many new works from Britain and abroad. His involvement with contemporary music has also extended beyond the classical genre. One of his recording credits is on a project that certainly became an icon of the '60s rock culture: none other than the Beatles album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. He is part of the orchestra ensemble featured on tracks such as "She's Leaving Home" and "A Day In the Life." As a soloist Gruenberg has appeared with all the major British orchestras internationally, collaborating with many conductors, including Sir Colin Davis and Andre Previn. He has held the posts of concertmaster of the London Symphony and the Royal Philharmonic orchestras and has led the London Ensemble and the London String Quartet. He has recorded for labels such as EMI, Decca, Argo, Chandos, L'oiseau Lyre, Hyperion, Hungaroton, CRD, and Lyrita. Highlights of his discography include his performance of Beethoven's Violin Concerto with the Philharmonia Orchestra and the first recording by a British artist of the complete Beethoven violin and piano sonatas, featuring pianist David Wilde. Gruenberg has also pursued an active academic career. He is a professor at the Royal Academy of Music and presents master classes internationally. In 1998 he was asked to serve as chairman of the jury and artistic panel of the 1998 Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for young violinists in France. In 2000, he formed the Erich Gruenberg String Soloists Ensemble, which made its debut performance in London. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1994.