Petr Wagner
viola da gamba

Petr Wagner was born on 13.6.1969 in Prague. For over two decades, Petr Wagner, a viola da gamba virtuoso, has been the mainstay on European and world stages. His international reputation is supported by a series of successful records and enthusiastic reactions of expert media and the public. Whether it is during a solo performance with chamber music accompaniment or in the role of the artistic director and conductor of the Ensemble Tourbillon, he always manages to captivate his colleagues to give a supreme performance.
His extroverted musical expression and communication with the public is the fundamental element, allowing the listener of today to fully perceive the passion and diversity of the musical genre that Petr Wagner embodies.

Born in Prague, Petr Wagner studied cello at the Prague Conservatoire with Josef Chuchro. This was followed by studies in musicology at the Charles‘ University in Prague and at the Royal Holloway University of London. There he was introduced to viola da gamba by Richard Boothby, later continuing with Jaap ter Linden at the Akademie für alte Musik Dresden. After having completed his studies in Dresden, Petr was invited to study with Wieland Kuijken at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague where he received the Uitvoerend Musicus solo diploma.

As soloist, chamber and continuo player, Petr has appeared at numerous European festivals, as well as in other parts of the world – Israel, Japan, Mexico.  

In 1998 Petr Wagner founded the Ensemble Tourbillon with internationally acclaimed musicians. Its core activities focus on 17th and 18th century repertoire, with music by Couperin, Bach, Marais, Rebel, Purcell, Finger, Fischer and Handel.  

Petr regularly records and broadcasts for BBC, Polish Radio, Czech Radio and Czech TV. He has appeared on nearly 50 CDs – either as a soloist, chamber musician and conductor.  

Petr Wagner died 30.12. 2019 after brave struggle with serious illness.

Selective discography of Petr Wagner & Ensemble Tourbillon:

Carl Friedrich Abel:  The Drexel Manuscript   (ACCENT ACC 24305)

Jan Dismas Zelenka:  Italian Arias ZWV176   (ACCENT ACC 24306)

Johann Abraham Schmierer:  Zodiaci Musici   (ACCENT ACC 24294)

Vienna 1709  (ACCENT, ACC 24284)

Gottfried Finger:  The Complete Music for Viola da Gamba Solo  (ACCENT ACC 24267)

Roland Marais:  Pieces de Viole  (ACCENT ACC 24299)

Gottfried Finger:  Sonatae & balletti scordati  (Arta, 2006)

Charles Dollé:  Pieces de Viole  (Dorian Recordings, 2003/ArsProduktion 2012, ARS 38518)