George T. McNally has dedicated his life to the mastery of the viola, building a career defined by extraordinary versatility and technical excellence. A graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Music Performance, his formal training provided the foundation for a professional journey that spans decades of elite orchestral performance, high-profile recordings, and international collaborations.
George’s career is distinguished by his ability to perform across a vast spectrum of musical genres at the highest level. In the realm of Classical Music, he has performed alongside legendary maestros and soloists, including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Isaac Stern, Itzhak Perlman, Lynn Harrell, Andras Schiff, and Anne-Sophie Mutter. His experience extends deep into the world of Opera, where he has shared the stage with iconic voices such as Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, Beverly Sills, Sherrill Milnes, Kiri Te Kanawa, and Montserrat Caballé.
A notable highlight of his international career includes performing throughout Bavaria with the acclaimed organist Diane Bish. George was featured on her long-running, internationally broadcast television program, “The Joy of Music,”showcasing his artistry in historic European settings.
Beyond the classical stage, George is an accomplished recording artist who has contributed to the sound of some of the most influential popular musicians in history. His recording credits include legendary acts such as The Bee Gees, John Denver, and Julio Iglesias. He has also performed in support of timeless popular icons, including Frank Sinatra and Tom Jones.
George’s orchestral pedigree includes serving as the Assistant Principal Viola of the Fort Lauderdale Symphony Orchestra and as as well as the Miami Opera. As a chamber musician, he was a member of the iClassici String Quartet (which concluded in 1985) and has performed with renowned artists like Ruggiero Ricci. Between 2018 and 2024, George shared his artistry across the Southeast, performing with the Greensboro Symphony, Winston-Salem Symphony, Beaufort Symphony, and the Long Bay and Rock Hill Symphonies.
Throughout his performing career, George has maintained a deep commitment to education. He manages an active private teaching practice, where he mentors students in both violin and viola, drawing upon the rigorous standards he honed while studying with masters such as Walter Trampler and Tomas Tsigaris.
George currently resides in Bel Air, Maryland, where he remains a vital part of the regional music community. He is an active member of the Naptown Philharmonic in Annapolis and the Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra, where he continues to share his vast experience and lifelong love of music with the next generation of musicians.