MATHIS ROCHAT viola

Mathis Rochat is a Swiss-French violist widely regarded as one of the most compelling and influential voices of his generation. Gramophone hailed him as “a superstar in the making,” praising his cast-iron technique, distinctive singing tone, and natural communicative power.

An active and sought-after chamber musician, Rochat appears regularly at major festivals and leading venues throughout Europe. In 2025, he tours extensively in Europe and the United States with the Jerusalem Quartet, further affirming his place on the international chamber music scene. His recordings have received strong critical acclaim for their expressive depth, technical authority, and imaginative programming.

A passionate advocate for the viola, Rochat is deeply engaged in expanding the instrument’s repertoire through new commissions, original projects, transcriptions, and the rediscovery of overlooked works, positioning him as one of the most important contemporary voices for the instrument.

Alongside his international performing career, he is Professor of Viola at the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp and founder and artistic director of the Tara Concerts and Tara Festival cultural organization, dedicated to innovative concert formats, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the creation of new repertoire.

An avid enthusiast of violin making, Rochat has also designed his own viola model in collaboration with young Belgian luthier Pierre Smets - an instrument now played by several high-profile violists - bringing his artistic vision full circle from sound conception to performance.