Helen Callus, hailed as “one of the world’s greatest violists” (American Record Guide), “a violist of the highest caliber” (Strings magazine), and “one of the foremost violists of her generation” (Fanfare magazine), has been appointed Professor of Viola at the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University.

“It gives me great pleasure to join the faculty at Northwestern University and I look forward to meeting and collaborating with my colleagues in the fall,” said Ms. Callus.

Sought after as a recitalist, chamber musician, and concerto soloist, Helen Callus has performed with such world-class ensembles as the Tokyo and Juilliard String Quartets and the BBC Concert Orchestra. In live performances, she has delighted audiences in major cities around the world, including those of Russia, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and extensively throughout the US.

While maintaining an international concert calendar, Ms. Callus’s career also includes distinguished work as a recording artist. Her 2002 debut recording for ASV Records, “Portrait of the Viola,” was met with highest critical acclaim. She has recorded with famed pianist Robert McDonald, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, pianist Phillip Bush, the BBC Concert Orchestra in London, and the Bridge Ensemble, in addition to several solo recordings that have been met with widespread critical acclaim.

Ms. Callus has held teaching positions at the Colburn Young Artists Academy in Los Angeles, the University of Washington, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her multi-faced career also includes laudable work as an arts administrator. She served as the President of the American Viola Society, honored as the first woman elected to that title, and as the Viola Forum Editor for the American String Teachers Association Journal.

Born in Orpington, Kent (England), Ms. Callus began her music studies at six. A student of Ian Jewel, she graduated from London’s Royal Academy of Music, and was bestowed an Honorary ARAM (Associate of the RAM) and FRAM (Fellow) for her achievements in the field. She continued her graduate studies at the Peabody Conservatory in Maryland, where she served as teaching assistant to the prominent violist Paul Coletti. 

Ms. Callus plays on a viola made for her by Gabrielle Kundert which is a copy of the ex-Primrose Amati.

For more information on Helen Callus, please visit www.helencallus.com.