Erich Gruenberg OBE

Fig. Erich Gruenberg as concertmaster of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and as a juror of the 14th International Violin Competition H. Wieniawski in Poznań (with Maxim Vengerov).


Acclaimed as one of Britain's most distinguished violinists, Erich Gruenberg was born in Vienna where he began his musical education. He continued his studies in Jerusalem and eventually settled in London after winning the Carl Flesch International Violin Competition.

As soloist he had appeared with all the major British orchestras and had toured throughout the world collaborating with, to mention but a few, Sir Colin Davis, Sir Simon Rattle, Andre Previn, Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Sir Charles Mackerras, Michael TilsenThomasand, Mark Elder, Stanisław Skrowaczewski and Kirill Kondrashin.

Erich Gruenberg held the posts of Concertmaster of the Stockholm Philharmonic, the London Symphony and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestras. His comprehensive activities in the field of chamber music, numerous recordings as well as premiers and commissions, had enriched an outstanding career.

He was a professor at the Royal Academy of Music. He gave master classes and was invited to serve on juries around the world. In 2010 Erich Gruenberg chaired the jury for the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition and Fritz Kreisler Competition held in Vienna. In 2011 he was a jury member of 14th International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition in Poznań

In recognition of his continuing services to music he has been awarded the OBE.

He died on August 8, 2020 in London. 

[2020]