Daniel Lamas
Born in Chile, violist Daniel Lamas balances a dynamic career as a performer and educator. Since making his solo debut at the age of sixteen, Daniel has since been privileged to share his love for the viola in recitals, chamber music, and orchestras on stages worldwide.
As an orchestral musician, Daniel has held the distinguished position of principal violist with the Musik Landschaft Westfalen Philharmonie in Germany, the renowned Penderecki Academy Orchestra in Poland, and a range of esteemed ensembles in France, Chile, and the United States. As the former and founding principal violist of the Orquesta de Cámara de Valdivia, Daniel deeply engaged with communities across southern Chile, using music as a bridge. In 2010, Daniel was featured as a soloist with the OCV in Valdivia to acclaim. This performance was especially memorable in rural areas, where the very sight of a viola was a novelty, and the profound strains of a viola concerto a first-time revelation.
With a vision to broaden the viola’s repertoire and transcend traditional boundaries, Daniel has premiered an array of innovative solo and chamber works from contemporary composers spanning the US, Chile, Poland, and France. A highlight in his journey was the 2020 rendition of the “Tirana” Viola concerto, a composition intricately crafted for him by Dr. Derek Cooper in 2016, echoing the rich tapestry of Chilean folklore. Recently, Daniel’s performance at Carnegie Hall showcased commissioned pieces from renowned Chilean composers, amplifying the voices of indigenous Chilean musical traditions on the global stage.
As an educator, Daniel’s approach is meticulous and tailored. He believes in establishing a robust technical and musical foundation for every student, ensuring that their instruction resonates with their individual artistic journey. Whether working with beginners, adult enthusiasts, or conservatory-bound students, Daniel’s commitment remains unwavering. His teaching experience includes mentoring undergraduates from Florida International University, the Krakow Conservatory, Austral University of Chile, pre-college talents from the Juilliard School’s MAP program, and public school students from grades K-12.
Further strengthening his pedagogical foundation, Daniel underwent Suzuki Teacher Training at the Memphis, Greater Austin, and Japan Seattle Suzuki Institutes. During this intensive training, he was privileged to receive mentorship from Colleen Fitzgerald, Oscar Soler, and Cathryn Lee.
Daniel studied at the Manhattan School of Music and the Paris Conservatoire. His principal teachers include Daniel Avshalomov, Teodor Coman, Karen Dreyfus, Michael Klotz, Patinka Kopec, Antoine Tamestit, and Misha Vitenson.
