American violist Matthew Lipman has been praised by the New York Times for his “rich tone and elegant phrasing,” and the Chicago Tribune for a “splendid technique and musical sensitivity.” Lipman is relied on as one of the leading players of his generation, frequently appearing as both a soloist and chamber musician.

Lipman has debuted with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia Festival and with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe at the Rheingau Music Festival in the summer of 2021. Highlights of recent seasons include appearances with the Minnesota Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Lipman has worked with conductors Edward Gardner, Sir Neville Marriner, Osmo Vänskä, and Nicholas McGegan. He performs regularly on tour and at Alice Tully Hall with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Lipman was a featured performer with fellow violist Tabea Zimmermann at Michael Tilson Thomas’ Viola Visions Festival at the New World Symphony and has debuted in recital at Carnegie Hall. He makes his Zurich recital debut at the Tonhalle Zurich this season.

Ascent, his 2019 release by Cedille Records, was celebrated by The Strad as a “most impressive” debut album and Lipman was praised for his “authoritative phrasing and attractive sound.” The album marks the premiere recording of Shostakovich’s, Impromptu and of Clarice Assad’s Metamorfose, which Lipman commissioned for the album. He has recorded Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante with violinist Rachel Barton Pine and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields conducted by the late Sir Neville Marriner. Dedicated to expanding the viola repertoire, Lipman has performed premieres of works by Helen Grime, Clarice Assad, David Ludwig, and Malika Kishino.

Lipman is the recipient of a 2015 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and has won major prizes at international competitions. He studied at The Juilliard School with Heidi Castleman, and with Tabea Zimmermann at the Kronberg Academy. An alum of the Bowers Program, Lipman occupies the Wallach Chair at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, He performs on a 1700 Matteo Goffriller viola loaned through the generous efforts of the Pine Foundation.