Elçim Özdemir has been the Principal Viola with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande since 1999.

Born in Ankara (Turkey), Elçim Özdemir began learning the viola in her native city. She was fascinated by the instrument’s dark and powerful unique sound from an early age and decided to become a violist. She continued her studies at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Lyon, in the class of Tasso Adamopoulos.

The musician and her instrument occupies an important place in the orchestra, at the centre, immersed in the music that emanates from its surroundings: less exposed than the other instruments. The viola serves as a link between the tonalities of the different sections, bringing an obscure touch to the musical ensemble.

As a member of various chamber music ensembles, she performs at numerous festivals and as a soloist in concerts worldwide broadcast on radio and television.

She first taught viola at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Lyon and then at the Haute Ecole de Musique in Geneva and Lausanne for the young generation to benefit from her experience.

Elçim Özdemir plays on a 1755 Carlo Ferdinand Landolfi.