The Robert and Margaret Iveson Chair
Praised for his “gorgeous” (SFCV) sound, “exquisite musicianship” (SFCCBlog), and “beautifully expressive” (Honolulu Advertiser) and “wonderfully effective” (Strad) playing, Ethan Filner enjoys a multifaceted career as performer, educator, and administrator. Assistant Principal Viola of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra since 2019, Ethan also performs as Principal Viola of the Alberta Baroque Ensemble, co-founded the High Level Trio in 2021, and joined the Chamber Orchestra of Edmonton in 2023. From 2016-19 he taught viola at the University of Toronto, held the Assistant Principal Viola position in the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and was in demand throughout Ontario as a chamber musician and orchestral freelancer.
For the 15 years prior to his family’s move to Canada in 2016, Ethan toured internationally with the Cypress String Quartet, renowned for their dynamic performances, innovative programming, commissioning and championing new music, impactful educational outreach, and an extensive discography including the complete String Quartets of Beethoven.
From busking the Can-Can with a quartet on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to playing Beethoven trios for oilfield workers in Deadhorse Alaska; from sight-reading Mozart duets onstage in a packed Mexican opera house to performing Mendelssohn on the Smithsonian Strads at the Library of Congress; and from privately serenading palliative care patients in Edmonton to performing “Bohemian Rhapsody” as ESO soloist for raucous Holiday Pops crowds, Ethan’s professional story is littered with highlights reflecting his versatile artistry, tireless advocacy, and generous dedication to community service.
An engaging viola teacher and chamber music coach, Ethan has mentored students of all ages across North America and Europe. His administrative experience includes past positions as President of the Northern California Viola Society, Associate Director of the Sequoia Chamber Music Workshop, String Chamber Music Coordinator for SF Conservatory’s Pre-College Division, and current membership on ESO’s Artistic Leadership Committee and Board of Directors.
Educated primarily at Indiana University, Guildhall School of Music, and New England Conservatory, Ethan plays a 1947 Vittorio Bellarosa viola with a Garner Wilson bow.