Chris Anstey

One of Canada’s most versatile violinists, Chris Anstey is a native of St. John’s, Newfoundland. He has been a first violinist with the WSO since 2005. In other performance capacities, Chris has made numerous recital appearances and has performed as soloist with the WSO, Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra, and Brandon Chamber Players. Also an avid chamber musician, he is a founding member of the Azure String Quartet.

Chris has performed several musicals at Winnipeg’s Rainbow Stage and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, including the world premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Boys in the Photograph. He is strong supporter of traditional music, having toured and recorded with Celtic/folk recording artists The Ennis Sisters.

Chris is also a four-time finalist at the Canadian Grand Master’s Fiddling Championships in Ottawa, and was a top prizewinner at numerous other competitions. Chris also maintains an active teaching studio at the University of Manitoba Preparatory Studies Division, and is a string mentor for the University of Manitoba Orchestra and Winnipeg Youth Orchestras.