A violist of international reputation, Roberto Díaz is president and CEO of the Curtis Institute of Music. He follows in the footsteps of renowned soloists/directors such as Josef Hofmann, Efrem Zimbalist and Rudolf Serkin. In addition to his decade-long tenure as principal viola of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Díaz was also principal viola of the National Symphony Orchestra under Mstislav Rostropovich and was a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra. As a soloist, Díaz collaborates with leading conductors of our time on stages throughout the world. He leads a viola masterclass.

Masterful Strings is a lively series of masterclasses, discussions and performances that feature renowned string artists sharing their artistry in string pedagogy and performance. Masterful Strings is funded in part by the Tretter Distinguished Faculty Fellowship in Violin and the Barbara K. Steppel Memorial Faculty Fellowship in Cello.