Biography

Born in 1974 in Săliștea de Sus in the Maramureș region of Romania, Petru Iuga is one of the most accomplished classical double bassists of his generation — a fearless, soulful performer and masterful pedagogue known for his clear, resonant tone and uncompromisingly musical interpretations.

During his musical training in his homeland, the 20-year-old student came to the attention of Yehudi Menuhin and Alberto Lysy, who recruited him for the International Menuhin Music Academy in Gstaad (Switzerland). He continued his studies at the Hochschule der Künste in Bern and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris.

Following his studies, he became a member of the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris (Orchestre de Chambre de Paris) and principal double bass of the Munich Chamber Orchestra. Petru Iuga has won numerous prizes at renowned competitions, including first prize at the 1999 International Instrumental Competition in Markneukirchen and another first at the 2001 International Double Bass Festival in Cap Breton (France).

Since then, he has pursued a worldwide concert career, appearing as soloist with leading European orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra. He has recorded several CDs as a chamber musician, including a celebrated 2009 recording with the Grammy-nominated Carmina Quartet and a 2021 album of works by Schubert, Weinberg, Hindemith and Levitin with pianist Oliver Triendl on the Solo Musica label.

Beyond performance, Petru Iuga is also a composer. His original works for double bass, including 'Capriciu Românesc' and 'Variations on a Folkloristic Theme of the Maramureș', are rooted in the rich traditions of Romanian folk music. He is also the inventor of the ErgoBass, a revolutionary ergonomic playing aid for the double bass.

Petru Iuga is professor of double bass at the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Mannheim and also teaches part-time at the Haute École de Musique de Lausanne, Switzerland. His teaching combines deep technical knowledge with artistic sensitivity, incorporating elements of mindfulness and physics into his approach.

He regularly stages masterclasses around the world, discovering and encouraging numerous talented young double bass players. He has given masterclasses in Russia, Italy, Portugal, Israel, Japan, Uruguay, China, Canada, Serbia, Belgium and Switzerland — including a guest professorship at the renowned Orford Master Classes (2017–2019) and regular appearances at the Bavarian Bass Days.