Semjon Kalinowsky - Viola

As a passionate representative of his instrument, he attempts to liberate the viola from the tarnish of disparaging prejudice through his active concertising activities as a soloist and chamber musician in Norway, France, Finnland, Luxembourg, Poland, Germany, Hungary, Turkey, Austria, Russia, Denmark, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the Ukraine and Israel.

As a member of the Trio Arpeggione, he  has brought to life forgotten pieces, and performed well-known works in unusual ways. Another  major area of focus is performing in a duo with his wife, the pianist Bella Kalinowska, stimulated by the rediscovery of a great deal of repertoire, as well as chamber music for viola and organ.

In connection with these activities, he has a special interest in tracking down old music manuscripts in European music libraries.
As an adapter and editor in cooperation with renowned music publishing houses such as Robert Lienau (Frankfurt), Peters (Leipzig), Hofmeister (Leipzig), Schott (Mainz) and Bärenreiter (Kassel), he has contributed towards enriching the viola repertoire with new works.
He has been honoured with the title of “Meritorious Artist of the Ukraine”, conferred upon him by the President of the Ukraine.
Semjon Kalinowsky received his artistic education at the State Academy of Music in Lemberg /Lwow. As a scholarship holder of the Polish
Cultural Ministry, he completed post-graduate studies at the State Music Academy in Danzig.
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He plays a viola by Johann Baptist Schweitzer  built in 1817.​