Ettore Causa

Awarded both the “P. Schidlof Prize” and the “J. Barbirolli Prize” for “the most beautiful sound” at the prestigious Lionel Tertis International Viola competition in England in 2000, Italian-born violist Ettore Causa is praised for his exceptional artistry, passionate intelligence, and complete musicianship.

He has made solo and recital appearances in major venues around the world, such as Carnegie Hall, Zurich Tonhalle, Madrid National Auditorium, Salle Cortot, Tokyo Symphony Hall, Teatro Colon, etc., and has performed at numerous international festivals, such as the Menuhin, Salzburg, Tivoli, Ravinia, Prussia Cove, Savonlinna, Norfolk Festivals, etc. 

Also a devoted chamber musician, Mr. Causa has collaborated extensively with internationally renowned musicians such as Pascal Rogé, Steven Isserlis, Thomas Adès, Boris Berman, Peter Frankl, Natalie Clein, Ana Chumachenco, Alberto Lysy, Liviu Prunaru, Thomas Demenga, Ulf Wallin, William Bennett, Tokyo Quartet, and many others.

Causa’s musical journey began at the International Menuhin Music Academy, where he studied under Alberto Lysy and Johannes Eskar. Later, he pursued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music with Michael Tree. After years of teaching viola and chamber music at the International Menuhin Music Academy, Causa joined the faculty of the Yale School of Music in 2009. 

Causa has recorded many highly regarded CDs on the Claves label, including the Romantic Transcriptions for Viola and Piano, on which he performs his own transcriptions and which was awarded a prestigious “5 Diapasons” by the French magazine Diapason. His CD of Brahms works with Clive Greensmith and Boris Berman for the Le Palais de Dégustateur label was given the distinguished “CHOC de Classica” award by France’s esteemed Classica magazine. 

Causa was an honorary guest at the 43rd and 48th International Viola Congress, where he performed his own arrangements, including the Schumann cello concerto, to great acclaim. In recognition of his significant contributions to the viola community, the British Viola Society has conferred upon him the Honorary Membership.