Mikhail Galaganov

Dr. Misha Galaganov is Professor of Viola and Chair of Strings at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, TX. He has premiered more than thirty compositions written for him by composers from USA, Israel, Russia, Mexico, Peru, Belgium, Italy, and Uruguay. He is the first violist in the world to perform all 12 Fantasies for Bass Viol (1735) by Georg Philipp Telemann on viola in one live concert and the first one who recorded these works. Galaganov’s transcription of Telemann’s Viola da Gamba Fantasies for viola are published Bärenreiter Verlag, Germany. Principal Viola of the Dallas Chamber Symphony, Galaganov has premiered numerous works for a small symphony orchestra and for string chamber ensembles.

In addition to teaching and performing, Galaganov has written articles for major string publications, including Strad, UK, has served as a reviewer for American String Teachers Association magazine, and has given numerous lectures and presentations at professional conferences. His recording albums, Viola Fantasies and Charm, Passion, and Acrobatics were received with enthusiastic critical acclaim.

Teaching activities have taken Galaganov to major conservatories around the world, and he has taught and performed in numerous European and American Festivals. His former viola and violin students can be found serving as principal players in orchestras, university professors, soloists, and chamber music performers.

Galaganov plays on an old French viola Mansuy a Paris and uses pure gut strings for all his solo and chamber music performances.