Povilas Syrrist-Gelgota

 

Viola

Norway

POVILAS SYRRIST-GELGOTA – SINGING VIOLIST AND MULTIFACETED VIOLA ARTIST

Povilas Syrrist-Gelgota is a multifaceted violist whose career spans the entire spectrum of viola playing, from orchestral performance to solo work, and from chamber music leadership to composition. His deep understanding of the instrument allows him to approach the viola in many different ways, enriching its artistic presence in a variety of contexts.

A Diverse Career in Viola Performance

• Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra: Povilas was a member of this prestigious orchestra, honing his skills alongside world-class musicians and working with leading conductors and soloists.
• Soloist with Orchestras: As a soloist, Povilas has performed with numerous orchestras, showcasing the viola’s versatility and promoting new compositions for viola with orchestra.
• Leader of Chamber Music Groups: As a leader of several chamber music ensembles, Povilas has explored the viola’s role within the intimacy of smaller groups, enriching the viola’s chamber music repertoire.
• Singing Violist: Povilas is renowned as a singing violist, combining his viola playing with vocals to create a unique musical experience that stretches the boundaries of the instrument.
• Composer: He is a composer for viola, having written over 30 original works for the instrument, enriching the viola’s solo and chamber music repertoire with pieces ranging from ethereal meditative to folk romantic in style.

POVILAS SYRRIST-GELGOTA – ADVOCATE FOR THE SOLO VIOLA

Povilas Syrrist-Gelgota is a modern troubadour and a dedicated advocate for the viola as a solo instrument. As a singing violist, he merges the warm, expressive tones of the viola with his own voice, creating a new dimension of sound that captivates audiences worldwide.

Having performed solo in 11 countries across Asia, Latin America, and Europe, Povilas connects deeply with his audiences, transforming concerts into interactive experiences of music, storytelling, and visual art.

A Tireless Viola Ambassador

Povilas has spent over two decades actively promoting the viola as a solo instrument through:

• Performing solo concerts across the world, showcasing the viola’s expressive power.
• Teaching and inspiring the next generation of violists.
• Organizing the Norwegian Viola Festival, a major event celebrating the instrument.
• Inviting composers to write new works for solo viola, expanding its repertoire.
• Composing his own viola music, with over 30 original works, ranging from ethereal meditative to folk romantic styles.