Brian Schiele

Brian Schiele may seem to be entirely British but was in fact born in Argentina, where he spent his formative years. There are clues to his origins: a recent passion for the music of Piazzolla and a permanent need for more space (as his desk partner will confirm).

Having not become a farmer in the vast flatness of the South American prairie, Brian opted for a very different life somewhat further north as a viola player. He enjoys a varied life as a member of the SCO, Mr McFall’s Chamber and the Tagore String Trio.

He is a committed teacher and is enthusiastic about music of all styles. He also enjoys composition and arranging.

What is your most memorable concert? (either playing or listening)
One that comes to mind is the recording we did of Idomeneo with Sir Charles in the Edinburgh Festival (2001). It was just so exciting, and is such a fantastic piece of music. We had just recorded it, aria by aria, do we only got the full sweep of it in the concert, which was great.

What item can you not live without?
Italic fountain pens. I like handwritten things and handwrite things as much as possible

What’s on your iPod, or what do you listen to in the car?
A lot of it is dictated to by my daughters, with pop music. They think it is educational for me.

Tea of Coffee?
I like both, but coffee is definitely on the ascendency

Photo © Jeremy Hardie