English violinist Ralph Holmes was born in Penge in South-East London on 1 April 1937. He studied with David Martin, Ivan Galamian and George Enescu, and became one of the leading violinists of his generation.
He gave his London debut in 1951 with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and his American debut was in 1966.
From 1964 he was professor of violin at the Royal Academy of Music in London.
In addition to much chamber music, he had most major twentieth century violin concerti in his repertoire.
Holmes died in Beckenham on 4 September 1984, aged only forty-seven.
Classical music news. Obituary - Peter Dickinson (1934-2023)
CD Spotlight. Uniquely English - A tribute to violinist Ralph Holmes, heard by Howard Smith. '... an invigorating spontaneity ...'