Jonathan Tanner

Jonathan Tanner is a versatile violinist, violist, conductor, and dedicated teacher based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

He began violin lessons at the age of six in Motueka, moving to Christchurch ten years later where he attended Burnside High School and studied with Stephen Larsen. He enrolled at the New Zealand School of Music in Wellington with the intention of becoming a high school music teacher but very quickly discovered the possibilities of a performing career playing professionally with Orchestra Wellington and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Under the guidance of Helene Pohl and Vesa-Matti Leppänen, he completed his Bachelor degree and Post-graduate Diploma. During this time he was appointed as concertmaster of the National Youth Orchestra, accepted into the World Youth Orchestra in Italy, and performed string quartet concerts for Chamber Music New Zealand and the Adam International Chamber Music Festival.

Moving to Switzerland to study with Monika Urbaniak, Jonathan earned his Master’s degree from Bern University of the Arts with top honors for his final recital.

He has participated in masterclasses with Yair Kless, Feng Ning, Benjamin Schmid and Shmuel Ashkenasi and has enjoyed extensive chamber music coaching with renowned artists including the Tokyo, Takács, Penderecki, and New Zealand String Quartets.

Jonathan is also an accomplished violist both as a performer and teacher. Additionally, he has pursued conducting studies in both New Zealand and Switzerland and is enjoying this becoming a growing portion of his professional work.

Since returning to New Zealand, Jonathan has discovered a real love of teaching. He emphasizes strong technique and expressive music within a supportive and engaging learning environment. With students from 4 to 70+ years old, and from beginner to professional level, he enjoys teaching all types!

Jonathan is Associate Principal 1st Violin of the Christchurch Symphony and also performs regularly with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He plays a wide variety of musical styles including Classical, Irish and Bluegrass and enjoys improvisation. He loves to play outside the classical genre and is equally comfortable in a rock or folk band.