Gwynne Edwards, 1909-2000 who died aged 90, was one of the leading viola players of his era, renowned for his musicianship and vibrant tone. He was Professor of Viola and Chamber Music at the Royal Academy of Music, where he taught for 36 years, and in a long career had been principal violist with the London Symphony Orchestra and Sinfonia of London as well as co-principal of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic. He played chamber music with the Quartet Pro Musica and Virtuoso Ensemble, and was a regular guest with the Aeolian, London and Martin string quartets. Along the way, as a freelance, he also played for the Beatles, and can be heard on the album Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. A natural musician, Edwards had an innate sense of phrasing which gave a new meaning to the term rubato. He was also a quite remarkable sightreader. Before the examination for his organ diploma, Edwards was told by his teacher that he had learnt the wrong syllabus and apologetically given the keys to a local church in Baker Street. Unflustered, Edwards applied himself to the challenge and gained his ARCO after only one night's practice.