Biography

British violist Clement Pickering has already established himself as a compelling orchestral leader and chamber performer on the international stage combining musical authority with curiosity and versatility.

 

In September 2025, Clement was appointed Principal Viola of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, marking a significant milestone early in his career. Alongside this role, he is regularly invited to work with leading orchestras in the UK and Europe, reflecting the confidence placed in him as both a section leader and collaborative musician. Clement has appeared as Guest Principal Viola with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Co-Principal with the Philharmonia Orchestra. He has also enjoyed a close working relationship with the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana, performing over several periods as Co-Principal and frequently stepping in as Acting Principal Viola. During this time, he worked under conductors including Sir Mark Elder and James Gaffigan, notably taking part in a complete run of Wagner’s Die Fliegende Holländer. His freelance orchestral work further includes the Sinfonia of London (John Wilson), the Aurora Orchestra (Nicholas Collon), and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

 

Clement received his undergraduate education at the Royal Academy of Music, graduating with First Class Honours as a student of Martin Outram, before completing a Master’s degree at the Royal College of Music on a full scholarship. At the RCM, he studied with Andriy Viytovych and Simon Rowland-Jones, and his artistic development has been shaped by influential teachers including Jonathan Barritt and Amélie Roussel. His chamber music studies included work with violinist György Pauk, as well as historical performance projects with Annette Isserlis.

 

An active and committed chamber musician, Clement has appeared at the Newbury Spring Festival and the Menuhin Hall, and has performed in major venues including Wigmore Hall, Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican Centre, and the Royal Festival Hall. He continues to pursue chamber music alongside his orchestral career as a vital part of his artistic identity.

 

Clement plays on a viola made circa 1750, affectionately known as “Lionel”, and uses an E.A. Ouchard bow kindly loaned by the Aidan Woodcock Charitable Trust.