Born in Palermo, Federico Stassi graduated with honours in viola, receiving an honorable mention in chamber music from the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia in Rome. In 1997 he won the Award of Merit from the Accademia Chigiana of Siena, in 2003 he won Second Prize at the ‘Johannes Brahms’ International Music Competition in Acqui Terme in the string soloists category and in 2015 the Most Distinguished Award at the ‘Ibla Grand Prize’ International Music Competition.

In October 2005 he was invited to give a viola masterclass at the National Theatre of Brasilia and in 2010 at Roosvelt University of Chicago. He has also given masterclasses in viola and chamber music in many Italian cities. Since 2007 he has been a member of the Bottesini Quintet with which he has made recordings and embarked on world tours, and in 2018 he founded the Santa Cecilia Quintet. Federico Stassi is professor of chamber music at the state Conservatory of Fermo in Italy. He plays a Francesco Ruggieri ‘il Per’ viola, c. 1680, and many instruments dedicated to him.