Alexandru-Mihai Bota Appointed to London's Trinity Laban Viola Faculty

Bota is one of four new appointments in the Conservatoire's viola department

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, England, recently announced several new appointments to its viola faculty for the beginning of the 2022/23 academic year. Among the new staff members is Romanian violist Alexandru-Mihai (Sasha) Bota, who will receive a professorship.

Born in Timisoara, Romania, Bota's first major appointment came when he joined the Australian Chamber Orchestra as a core member in 2012, playing as co-principal viola and then acting principal viola from 2015.

In 2017, he relocated to London, where he has played as a guest principal with the Aurora Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, London Mozart Players, Academy of Ancient Music, English Chamber Orchestra, and the Philharmonia Orchestra.

Also joining the Conservatoire's viola faculty are American violist Stephen Upshaw (Solem Quartet, Riot Ensemble), Serbian violist Milena Simović, and London Symphony Orchestra sub-principal viola Malcolm Johnston.

“I am very excited to welcome Milena, Malcolm, Sascha and Stephen into our already illustrious Viola department," said Professor Nic Pendlebury, the Conservatoire's Head of Strings.

"They are all fabulous musicians and teachers and bring with them a wealth of knowledge and a breadth of complementary skills joining Richard, Rivka and Roger to create one of the most dynamic choices of teachers in the country.” 

“I am deeply honored and thrilled to be joining the professorial staff at Trinity Laban Conservatoire!" said Bota.

"It is a humbling opportunity for me to share the knowledge and inspire young talented viola players from all over the world in their search for truth and beauty in music.”