Cecil Aronowitz

South African-born British viola player, and teacher. Born 4 March 1916 in King William's Town, Cape Province, Union of South Africa - Died 7 September 1978 in Ipswich, Suffolk, England, UK. He studied violin at the Royal College of Music, London. After World War II, he switched to the viola and joined the London Symphony Orchestra (1948-1949). In spring 1949, he joined the violas of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1950, he co-founded the Melos Ensemble Of London and was the foup's violist for decades. He played & recorded with The Pro Arte Piano Quartet. He was the Principal Viola of the Goldsbrough Orchestra. He also appeared at the Aldeburgh Festival every year from 1949 until his death in 1978. At Aldeburgh, he was a soloist, chamber musician, and leader of the violas in The English Opera Group. He taught viola and chamber music at the Royal College of Music for 25 years, then, in 1973, he became the first Head of Strings at the newly formed Royal Northern College Of Music in Manchester. He was married to the pianist Nicola Grunberg.