Born in Metz, Frédéric Kirch began his musical studies at the conservatory of his native city where he obtained First Prizes in violin, trombone and chamber music. His instrumental taste then leads him to the viola, and he enters the class of Jean-Philippe Vasseur, at the National Conservatory of Lyon.

His professional life began at the Bordeaux National Orchestra, where he was appointed first soloist by Alain Lombard, while continuing to perfect his skills with Tasso Adamopoulos. In 1996, he was appointed principal viola with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande under Armin Jordan. His musical activity is diverse. He has performed as a chamber musician at numerous festivals, such as the Arcs Festival, alongside Michel d'Alberto, Xavier Phillips, David Grimmal, Xavier Gagnepain, Raphael Oleg and Isabelle Moretti, or as a soloist, notably under the direction of Fabio Luisi and Marek Janowski. An eclectic musician, Frédéric Kirch has been invited by baroque ensembles such as the Chapelle Royale and was a member of the Ensemble Contrechamps.

Teaching occupies a very important place in his musical life. After having been assistant professor in the class of Jean-Philippe Vasseur at the National Conservatory of Lyon from 2000 to 2008, he was appointed professor at the Haute École de Musique de Lausanne. He is also regularly called as a jury member of the CNR and the Haute École de Musique for national and international competitions.

Frédéric Kirch plays a viola by Carlo Antonio Testore, Milan, 1730.