Seventeen-year-old Anton Wingert is a senior at Central Bucks West High School in Doylestown, PA. He began playing piano at four and viola at six. Anton studies viola with Rachel Ku of The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Anton became a Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth (PMAY) Artist in 2023 and plays in the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and his high school orchestra. He’s also held section leader positions in orchestras of Philadelphia Sinfonia, Temple Music Prep Center for Gifted Young Musicians, and the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County.
Anton has earned awards in concerto competitions at Rowan University and the Bucks County Symphony Orchestra and has also won scholarships to participate in Settlement Music School’s Advanced Study Ensembles. In 2025, he won a bronze medal at the Bösendorfer Youth Music Festival performing with Settlement Music School’s Robert Capanna Chamber Ensemble. The following year at the same festival, Anton earned a bronze medal for solo strings. This past year, he played in a quintet as part of a collaborative initiative with All-City Fellows, the Curtis Institute, and PMAY. Anton played in the Equity Arc Pathways Orchestra in 2025 and 2026, as well as the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s District and Regional Orchestras in 2025.
This summer, Anton attended Juilliard Summer Music Viola Intensive and Eastman Summer Viola Institute. Past summers include attendance at Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, the Philadelphia International Music Festival, the Oberlin Viola Workshop, and the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County Spain Tour. Anton also coaches younger musicians at PMAY and Tohickon Middle School. Outside of music, he enjoys swimming, running, and hiking with his Shiba Inu dog Ruby. After graduating, he intends to study viola at a conservatory.
10 Questions with Anton Wingert:
1. What’s one thing about your instrument that surprised you when you were first starting to play?
My siblings and I all played piano, then we also learned strings – two violins, a cello, then me. I guess my mom needed something new and different, so she got me started on viola. She was probably thinking, “Why not have a string quartet?” I liked the sound of the viola, not as piercing as the violin and not as low as the cello. What surprised me was how easy it was to get a beautiful, mellow sound. No scratchy, ear-piercing sound a beginner would make, just a broad and deep sound.
2. How would you describe the role of the viola in an orchestra?
I think of the viola as the keystone in an orchestra. The keystone is the center stone in an arched bridge and keeps a bridge from collapsing. The viola is literally the middle voice of all the strings and holds the string sections together. It never outright shows itself, but it brings strength, support, and beauty to the strings of the orchestra.
3. What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as a musician so far?
I remember playing in a PMAY Showcase, and the applause I received in that performance took me back. That was a turning point. I thought to myself, wow, I put my whole self and emotions into that piece, and the audience felt it. There was a sharing of energy, and I realized I really liked performing.
4. What is your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
I love how the city is walkable. My older siblings live in Fitler Square, and I sometimes stay with them during the weekends. From there, I can walk to PYO rehearsal in Rittenhouse, my lessons with Mrs. Ku, or even to Settlement School in Queen Village for quartet rehearsals. I also love the variety of good food, especially the new Filipino restaurants. Although nobody matches my mom’s adobo.
5. What do you enjoy most about playing in a string quartet?
The camaraderie: when you spend so much time with a few people, you get to know them pretty well. When you’re collaborating on the details of the music, the cueing, the support for the solo parts, you get to know them musically too.
6. Can you describe a challenge you’ve faced in your musical journey and how you overcame it?
There were times I was the only viola in an ensemble, and I felt alone, but I had to get over my insecurities and play stronger to carry a section.
7. How do you approach preparing for a new piece or performance?
First, I’ll look at the music and try and learn it. Then I’ll listen to recordings with the music in front of me and do research on the composer and history of the piece. Then I’ll practice the music slowly in small sections. When I feel the music is ready, and I’m preparing for a performance, I’ll play in front of as many people as I can to get rid of jitters.
8. Are there any upcoming performances that you’re excited about?
In Juilliard Summer Music Program’s orchestra, we’re playing Molly Turner’s “Open Doors.” She is a new young composer and our guest conductor. The piece is exciting and full of energy!
9. How do you stay motivated to practice and improve your skills over time?
Instead of quickly trying to conquer giant goals and becoming frustrated, I’ll set a steady pace of smaller objectives. It’s more manageable and keeps me going. I also enjoy having a routine in my practice, like warming up and playing scales first. Sometimes just playing those first notes motivates you.
10. What advice would you give to someone just starting out on your instrument?
Get a really good teacher and a good instrument. Enjoy the process and being part of an orchestra. Don’t let the viola jokes get to you, haha.
Anton's Recommended Playlist:
