Povilas Syrrist-Gelgota (b. 1976) is an internationally active solo artist and singing violist, recognized for his charismatic stage presence and highly distinctive artistic profile. He combines viola playing and voice simultaneously, creating a unique expressive language that expands the traditional role of the viola as a solo instrument.
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He has performed extensively as a soloist, giving solo concerts in more than 15 countries, and has performed approximately 1,000 solo concerts throughout his career. Povilas primarily performs solo concerts through his Viola Voice concept, presenting highly varied programs with a strong focus on tonal contemporary music inspired by folk music traditions from different countries. He has built an exceptionally large solo repertoire and can perform almost four hours of solo music on just one day’s notice.
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In 2007, Povilas, together with cellist Toril Syrrist-Gelgota, recorded a viola-cello duo CD featuring original works for this combination. At the time, it was one of the first recordings of its kind on the market.
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Povilas works to promote the viola as a solo instrument. Numerous composers from Norway, Lithuania, Turkey, and Italy have written around 50 works specifically for Povilas and his ensembles. In addition, he has contributed nearly 50 of his own compositions to the viola solo repertoire.
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Povilas has performed solo recitals at the International Viola Congresses in Thailand (2023) and Brazil (2024), and in 2026 he is invited to the 50th International Viola Congress in Paris to:
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give two solo recitals (one featuring Norwegian music for singing violist, the other with his own compositions)
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hold a workshop on Stage Performance
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perform the premiere of “RAST”, a commissioned work for the congress
Following studies in Vilnius, Paris, London, and Oslo, Povilas won an audition with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, where he worked from 2001 to 2021 alongside leading conductors and soloists. Parallel to his orchestral career, he maintained an active and independent international solo career.
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For over two decades, Povilas has actively promoted the viola as a solo instrument, performing hundreds of solo concerts and presenting programs that combine classical repertoire, contemporary music, folk influences, and new works written especially for him.
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Povilas is also the director of the Norwegian Viola Festival, one of the world’s largest viola festivals, a 14-day event featuring 40 viola concerts and activities.
He is actively engaged in presenting Norwegian music internationally, particularly in Lithuania, and Lithuanian music in Norway, and in 2011 he was awarded a medal by the Lithuanian Embassy in Norway for his contribution to building cultural bridges between Norway and Lithuania.
He is a member of The Norwegian Society of Soloists (NTKS) and Board member of Norwegian Viola Society.
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Recordings of Povilas Syrrist-Gelgota are available on major digital platforms, and he maintains an active presence as a performing artist online.