New Zealand Violist Glynne Adams has Died, Aged 94

Adams was a former principal viola player of the London Symphony Orchestra

New Zealand-born violist Glynne Alfred Adams was a graduate of London’s Royal Academy of Music and was a member of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) in 1950 to 1951, and from 1955 to 1966.

In 1963, Adams was the first recipient of an NZSO Orchestral Bursary scheme, which allowed him to travel abroad and study with Hungarian violinist Tibor Varga. After leaving the NZSO, he served as principal viola of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) from 1967 to 1968.

With the LSO, he performed with conductors including André Previn and Gennady Rozhdestvensky. He was featured on a recording of a live performance of Strauss’ Don Quixote at Carnegie Hall with Adams playing solo viola alongside cellist Mstislav Rostropovich.

In 1979, Adams moved to Adelaide, Australia, where he became a senior lecturer in viola studies and Head of Strings at the Adelaide College of Arts and Education. For many years, he was also a professor of viola at the University of Auckland.

“We’re saddened to hear the passing of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s best violists and former NZSO player Glynne Adams. Glynne, who was 94 and living in Hokianga,” wrote NZSO on Facebook.

Our condolences to Mr. Adams’ family, friends, students, and colleagues.