Canadian Violist Alexander Beggs was born in Calgary, Alberta, and began violin at age five before switching to viola at 11 under the guidance of Theresa Plotnick. Early experiences in chamber music at the Amici String Program sparked a lasting love for ensemble playing, where he discovered the joy of listening and creating collaboratively. As a teenager, he performed with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, working with violist Neal Gripp and conductors Jonathan Darlington, and Michael Francis. During these summers, he discovered a deep passion for being a part of large-scale symphonic productions, performing Mahler symphonies, Strauss tone poems, and Stravinsky ballets on major stages across Canada, Germany, Scotland, and Spain. He was also a recipient of the orchestra’s Award of Excellence.
He began his Bachelor’s degree at the University of British Columbia originally pursuing a dual degree in science and music. However, after studying viola with Marina Thibeault and Emilie Grimes and finding inspiration in classes with conductor Jonathan Girard and pianist Rena Sharon, he decided to fully dedicate his time to music. Graduate studies at McGill University with André Roy further deepened his artistry and chamber music experience. There, he co-founded the Horatio Quartet who also worked closely with professor André Roy. The quartet performed at festivals including the McGill International String Quartet Academy, the Robert Mann Institute, and the Calidore String Quartet Seminar. The quartet has worked with members of the Ébène, Brentano, Emerson, Juilliard, and Jerusalem quartets, among others.
Alexander has also attended various summer festivals over the years including Domaine Forget, Encore Chamber Music Institute, the Verbier Festival, and Perlman Music Program’s Chamber Music Workshop. Performing and studying with the Cavani Quartet, violist Antoine Tamestit, violinist Donald Weilerstein, and conductor Teodor Currentzis are just a handful of the most formative experiences he has enjoyed.
In 2025, Alexander joins the viola section of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. He plays a viola made by Toronto luthier John Newton.