Cynthia Phelps

Viola

Cynthia Phelps, Violist, is Principal Violist with the New York Philharmonic, where she has performed Berlioz’ Harold in Italy, the Bartók Concerto for Viola, Richard Strauss' Don Quixote with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Concerto for String Quartet by Benjamin Lees, and a new work specially commissioned for her and violist Rebecca Young by Sofia Gubaidulina. She has appeared as soloist with numerous orchestras throughout the world. As a chamber musician, Ms. Phelps performs regularly with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Bargemusic, the Boston Chamber Music Society, and the Chicago Chamber Musicians. She has toured internationally as a member of the Zukerman and Friends Ensemble, appeared with the Guarneri String Quartet, and performed in recital in Paris, Rome, London, and Cardiff, Wales, as well as in Boston, Los Angeles, New York and Washington. Ms. Phelps is a recipient of the Pro Musicis International Award, and a top prize winner at both the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition and the Washington International String Competition. She has recorded for the Marlboro Recording Society, and the Covenant, Nuova Era, Polyvideo, Virgin Classics labels, and most recently Cala Records where her first solo CD was released. Her appearances on television and radio have included "Live from Lincoln Canter" on PBS, National Public Radio, Radio France, and RAI in Italy. Ms. Phelps was recently appointed to the faculty at The Juilliard School. She is married to BCMS Artistic Director Ronald Thomas and they live just outside New York City.