Walter Prystawski

Walter Prystawski, CM (born 12 February 1933) is a Canadian classical violinist, conductor and teacher. He was a member of the CBC Symphony Orchestra from 1953 to 1959. He toured with the ensemble in Europe, South Africa and the Middle East.

Prystawski recorded extensively as member and soloist for Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft, and taught in the professional training program for violinists at the Konservatorium Dreilinden in Lucerne, Switzerland. He was First Concertmaster of the Basel Orchester Gesellschaft in Basel, Switzerland.

Prystawski returned to Canada as founding Concertmaster of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa. Beginning in 1969, he appeared as soloist with the Orchestra for more than three decades. His first European tour with the orchestra was in 1973.

He also performed as a recitalist, guest soloist, and chamber music player in recital and on radio. Prystawski purchased a "J.B.Guadagnini" violin for $12,000 for the National Arts Centre. He became full owner of the instrument later; the violin was worth about $400,000 in 2006.

He taught at the University of Ottawa in the 1970s.

Prystawski served on juries or as an assessor for the Montreal International Music Competition, the Conservatoires du Quebec, the Canada Council, CBC music competitions, the City of Ottawa and various music festival competitions. He performed with the orchestra in a series of farewell concerts conducted by Mario Bernardi.

Family Prystawski is married; he and his wife Victoria have two grown children: Linda, an actor and Laurence, a lawyer.