Vyvyan Yendoll

Vyvyan Yendoll was born in the United Kingdom and after studying at the Royal Academy of Music spent a couple of years freelancing mainly in London and the continent.

In 1962 he arrived in New Zealand where he became Sub-Principal Viola with the then National orchestra and then in 1964 was appointed Principal Viola.

At this time he was also a member of the Alex Lindsay string orchestra and with Alex a member of the New Zealand String Quartet.

Vyv established an early interest in viola making in New Zealand and still plays on a viola made by the New Zealand maker Tom Warren in 1981.Several New Zealand-made violas are being used in the profession in New Zealand, testament to the makers ability here and also recognised overseas.

Vyv has always taken part in chamber music groups within New Zealand and overseas and was a founding member of the New Zealand Chamber orchestra. Two viola concertos have been written for him - the John Rimmer Viola Concerto and the viola work Forgotten Memories by Chris Cree Brown.

He is actively engaged in teaching in New Zealand and in 2005 was awarded an ONZM for his services to music.