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Since making critically acclaimed recital debuts in New York's Carnegie Hall and London's Purcell Room and Wigmore Hall between 1997 and 1999, Sri Lankan born British violist Ashan Pillai has enjoyed a flourishing international career as a chamber musician, soloist and teacher.

He studied in London, Los Angeles and New York (Juilliard School) under John White, Donald Mclnnes, Karen Tuttle. He won prizes at international competitions, Tertis (1994), Rome (1995), Royal Overseas League Competition (1995) and the Park Lañe Group Series. He has recorded widely as soloist and chamber musician including the complete works for viola by Hoffineister under the baton of Christopher Hogwood and the Gulbenkian Orchestra. He has principally recorded for EMI, AS V, Naxos, Meridian, Xadis and Oehms Classics, Altara and SGAE. As soloist he has performed with many leading orchestras under the batons of Christian Zacarías, Ricardo Muti, Robert King, Lawrence Foster amongst several others. He has also participated in premieres of works by some of the most significant contemporary composers such as Krystof Penderecki, Wolfgang Rihm and Gavin Bryars.

He was assistant principal viola with the English Chamber Orchestra from 1994 to 1999 and is currently principal viola in the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra, Professor of viola in the Conservatoire Superior in Barcelona and violist in the Zukerman Chamber Players. Ashan Pillai plays a Gregg Alivióla (after Gaspar de Salo) made in 1992 in Michigan.