About
Hailed by the Jerusalem Post as "undoubtedly one of the greatest violists of our time," Yuri Gandelsman has spent over four decades shaping the global classical music landscape. As a prolific soloist, esteemed orchestral leader, renowned chamber musician, and dedicated educator, his multifaceted career spans the world's most prestigious stages and academic institutions.
Gandelsman's authoritative orchestral leadership includes a decade-long tenure as Principal Violist and soloist with the Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra under Vladimir Spivakov (1980–1990). In 1990, he assumed the prestigious role of Principal Violist with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) under Maestro Zubin Mehta, serving until 2000.
An enthusiastic chamber musician, Gandelsman was a member of the distinguished Fine Arts Quartet from 2001 to 2008, performing over 300 concerts worldwide and recording extensive chamber cycles. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with legendary artists, including Sviatoslav Richter, Yevgeni Kissin, Vladimir Spivakov, Yefim Bronfman, Midori, Gil Shaham, Yuri Bashmet, Shlomo Mintz, Ralf Gothoni, Natalia Gutman, Shmuel Ashkenasi, Arnold Steinhart, Patrick Gallois, Leonidas Kavakos, Michel Lethiec, Harry Hoffman, Alexander Brussilovsky, and Janos Starker, as well as the chamber groups Borodin Quartet, Shostakovich Quartet, Huberman Quartet, the Peterson Quartet, Talich quartets, and many others. His extensive discography spans major labels such as Sony Classical, Naxos, Melodiya, Lyrinx, and Blue Griffin.
Complementing his performance career is a profound commitment to education. Gandelsman served as Professor of Viola and Chair of the Chamber Music Department at Tel Aviv University's Rubin Academy (1990–2002) before joining the faculty at the Michigan State University College of Music as Professor of Viola from 2008 to 2022. He has served as a guest professor at Yale University and the Paris Conservatoire, and has led elite international masterclasses across the globe, from the Beijing Conservatory to the Verbier and Kuhmo festivals. Today, his students hold prominent positions in leading European and Israeli orchestras.
Services
For now, all contacts about lessons and masterclasses should be made through the messages to our Facebook page or using Messenger app.
Online Lessons
Masterclasses
Personalized online lessons with Professor Yuri Gandelsman tailored to your skill level and goals. Classes are conducted via video call using Zoom app.
Intensive masterclass sessions with expert instruction focused on audition preparation or concert viola repertoire with multiple participants and viewers. Recordings available to participants for later review. Check our Facebook page for information about upcoming events.
Media
PERFORMANCE VIDEOS
Berlioz - Harold in Italy
With Israel Philharmonic & Zubin Mehta
Mozart - Sinfonia Concertante
with Johnny Gandelsman, violin
Telemann - Concerto for Viola and Strings
With Ad Libitum chamber orchestra
Purcell - Suite for Strings from “The Fairy Queen”
Young String Orchestra, Jerusalem Music Center
Béla Bartók - Viola Concerto - BB128, Tibor Serly edition (1945)
National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan
Conductor: Tigran Shiganyan
Viola: Yuri Gandelsman
Hindemith "Der Schwanendreher"
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Peter Claus Flor
I. Langsam, Massig bewegt, mit Kraft
II. Sehr ruhig, Fugato
III. Massig Schnell
Vaughan Williams “Flos Campi”
MSU Chorale and Ad Libitum Chamber Group
Conductor: David Rayl
Viola: Yuri Gandelsman