The violinist was a founding member of the quartet and a principal player with Sinfonia Viva since 2001
The British violinist Philip Gallaway died on 22 October 2025 at the age of 71. He was a founding member of the Coull Quartet and principal second violinist of Sinfonia Viva.
’At this tragic time our thoughts go to his family and the countless friends whose lives he touched. His skills as a performer, teacher, presenter and organiser will be sadly missed by so many,’ the Coull Quartet wrote in a statement.
’We were truly fortunate to have Philip as a friend and teammate, with whom we shared so many experiences the world over.’
Gallaway was born on 28 March 1954. The Coull Quartet was founded in 1974 while its members were students at the Royal Academy of Music in London, under the guidance of Sidney Griller. In 1977, the ensemble was appointed quartet in residence at the University of Warwick and went on to hold the post for over 40 years.
The quartet, currently comprising violinist Roger Coull, violist Jonathan Barritt and cellist Nicholas Roberts, has performed and broadcasted extensively in the UK, and toured of Western Europe, the Americas, Australia, China, India, among other countries.
The ensemble has made over 30 recordings since the 1980s, and commissioned works by composers Sally Beamish, Edward Cowie, Joe Cutler, David Matthews, Nicholas Maw, Robert Simpson and Howard Skempton.
Gallaway took up the role of principal second violinist with Sinfonia Viva in December 2001.
’Philip was a much loved and respected member of our orchestra and he will be sorely missed for his professionalism, humility and kindness towards everyone he worked with,’ Sinfonia Viva said in a statement.
The orchestra will dedicate its concert on 19 November to Gallaway’s memory.
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