Paul Silverthorne has been Principal viola of the London Symphony Orchestra since 1991 and Principal viola of the London Sinfonietta since 1988, whilst continuing to pursue a busy solo career. As a soloist, he has performed with such conductors as Sir Colin Davis, André Previn, Sir Simon Rattle, Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Oliver Knussen, John Adams and Kent Nagano, with the LSO and other major orchestras in the UK, USA and Europe. After a performance at the Proms , The Times (London) described him as “a virtuoso in sensitivity and technique”.

Recent solo engagements have taken him to the USA, Australia and the Far East and the BBC Proms.

He is particularly renowned for his interpretation of new music and his commitment to this field has led to close relationships with leading composers of our time, many of whom have been inspired to write for him.

His recordings cover a wide range of repertoire and appear on EMI, Naxos, Chandos, Koch International Classics, ASV, Meridian, Albany and other labels to widespread acclaim. A recent CD, 'Beethoven by Arrangement' with pianist David Owen Norris, a collection of works arranged for viola and piano was issued on the Toccata Classics label and widely praised.

“with a performance of the quality here, we can experience the dedicated and delightful musicianship that these players bring to this wonderful music.” [International Record Review]

His latest recording is of the viola concerto (Divinum Mysterium) by Kenneth Fuchs on Naxos

Paul Silverthorne is a professor at the Royal Academy of Music, to whom he is indebted for the loan, from their collection, of the Amati viola of 1620 on which he plays.