Violist Brian Schiele has died

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The Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) has announced the death of its long-serving violist, Brian Schiele, who died of cancer on 6 April 2026.

He was diagnosed with cancer of the jaw 13 months ago. Following a jaw replacement, Schiele returned to work with the SCO in January 2026, but cancer had spread to his lungs, neck and stomach by mid-March.

Schiele was born in Argentina of Argentine and English parentage. He studied viola at London’s Royal College of Music with Fred Riddle, after which he played with the Auriol Quartet for nearly a decade.

He freelanced with numerous London-based orchestras, including the Philharmonia and the London City Ballet, in which he served as principal viola.

Schiele joined the SCO in 1994, ’admired by colleagues for his exceptional musicianship, professionalism and quiet generosity of spirit,’ the orchestra said in a tribute.

’He brought warmth, integrity and musical sensitivity to the heart of the orchestra, always open to new ideas and contributing immeasurably both to the collective sound and the trust that underpins great ensemble playing.’

SCO sub-principal cellist, Su-a Lee, who joined the ensemble in the same year as Schiele, paid tribute to her late colleague on social media: ’There is a huge gaping hole in our lives, where the larger-than-life, enthusiastic and chuckling Brian inhabited the warmest place in all our hearts.’

Schiele played an active role in the development of the ensemble during his tenure and helped support and mentor younger musicians in the early stages of their careers.

He was a founding member of Mr McFall’s Chamber in 1996, a group dedicated to introducing different styles to audiences, for which he wrote a number of original works and arrangements. He also performed with the Tagore String Trio.

The SCO will dedicate its closing concerts of the 2025/26 season to Schiele’s memory. These will take place in Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow from 13-15 May 2026 under the SCO’s principal conductor, Maxim Emelyanychev.