Howard Davis

Who was Howard Davis?

Howard Davis was a British violinist, best known as the leader for more than 35 years of the Alberni Quartet. He was greatly respected both as a refined player and as an inspirational and influential teacher. He was a student at the Royal Academy of Music in London from 1958 to 1963 and became professor of violin in 1982.

He played on a Carlo Tononi violin which was sold to the Royal Academy of Music towards the end of his career, however he did own many other valuable instruments and many bows.

Howard also had a house in Northern France where he went often in the holidays. He had a concert hall built there to give recitals by himself and his pupils.

Howard Davis died on 5 February 2008 of a respiratory disease. His wife, Virginia Black, and their two sons survive him.