Violinist and violist Victor Fournelle-Blain is leading an active career of orchestral and chamber musician, soloist and teacher. Currently Principal Viola of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, where he previously held associate principal, 2nd assistant and section positions, he was also Principal Viola of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He has taught viola at the University of Toronto and Université de Montréal, and now teaches at McGill’s Schulich School of Music. In the summer season he attends festivals such as Concerts aux Îles du Bic, Orford Academy, Camp Musical des Laurentides and Formandi Festival (Guadalajara, Mexico).

Victor first studied the violin at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal under Johanne Arel, then completed a Master of Music under Ani Kavafian at the Yale School of Music, after which he obtained an Artist Diploma at McGill’s Schulich School of Music, studying the viola with André Roy. Winner of the 2012 Prix d’Europe, of McGill’s 2014 Golden Violin Award, and second prize winner of the 2010 OSM Standard Life Competition, he has performed in solo with orchestras including Orchestre Métropolitain and Orchestre Symphonique de Drummondville. He currently plays a Giovanni Battista Guadagnini viola, generously loaned by Canimex.