Théophile Laforge

Laforge studied violin at the Conservatoire de Paris with Eugène Sauzay and was awarded first prize in 1886.

Furthermore, from 1887 he was viola soloist with the Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire.

Indeed, 99 years after the implementation of the violin and cello programs, a class entirely reserved for viola players was created.

During his career at the Conservatoire, Théophile Laforge initiated works for viola from composers of the time, also setting them as a requirement in partial fulfillment of a degree.

In his 22 years of teaching, Laforge created a generation of new violists; notable students include Maurice Vieux (who succeeded him at the Conservatoire), Henri Casadesus, Louis Bailly, Paul-Louis Neuberth and Pierre Monteux.