Chris Tantillo, originally from Long Island, NY, began playing the violin at age 7. He switched to the viola in high school while attending the Interlochen Arts Academy. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Stanley Konopka, and continued his graduate work there as a student of Robert Vernon. After school, Chris was invited to join the New World Symphony, in Miami Beach, FL, under the baton of Michael Tilson Thomas. The following year he spent playing with the San Diego Symphony and, since 2006, has been playing with the Saint Louis Symphony. He has spent past summers as a member of the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge, CO, at the Aspen Music Festival, and as a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Festival, where he received the viola award for excellence in performance. In his free time, Chris enjoys grilling and playing golf. He lives in St. Louis with his wife Becky and son Gabriel.
Chris Tantillo
