Ruth Gibson

Ruth is from Dublin and began studying the violin at five with Maria Keleman and later with Ronald Masin, transferring her studies to viola at the age of 11. During summer 2004, she was a finalist in the European String Teachers’ Association Young Musician of the Year, coming runner-up overall in her category (17-21).

In 2005, Ruth began her degree at the Royal Northern College of Music and graduated with First class Honours. During her studies, she was the recipient of an RNCM Entrance Award and participated in solo masterclasses with Thomas Riebl, Isabel Charisius and Marco van Pagee and chamber music classes with the Endellion and New Zealand string quartets. In June 2007, she won first prize in the RNCM Viola Competition and the Nossek Chamber music prize with the Roberts String Quartet. During her third year, Ruth was a finalist in both the RNCM’s Paganini Prize and the J&A Beare Solo Bach Competition in London. In June 2008, she took part in the Bantry Chamber Music Festival in Ireland, performed at the Cheltenham Festival academy at the Cheltenham Festival. She was also a finalist in the RNCM Concerto auditions and also performed the York Bowen Concerto with the Manchester Beethoven Orchestra in November 2008.

This year, Ruth is continuing her studies at the Royal College of Music with Lawrence Power where she has been kindly supported by the Musicians Benevolent Fund, RCM, South Dublin County Council and the Worshipful Company of Musicians. In March, she participated in the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition on the Isle of Man. As an Allcard winner, Ruth will be giving a solo recital in St. John Smith’s Square this October.