Violist Janz Castelo de Armas is an avid soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. His musical interests are very eclectic, extending beyond traditional “classical” music, exploring the sonic capabilities of the viola.

As founder and Artistic Director of the Buffalo Chamber Players, Janz has worked closely with composers Rob Deemer, Mary Kouyoumdjian, Caroline Mallonee, Roland Martin, Paul Moravec, Krzysztof Penderecki, Scott Wheeler, and Amy Williams.

He is currently a member of the viola section of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, having previously served as assistant principal violist of the Portland Symphony Orchestra in Maine. A passionate music educator, Janz is on the music faculty at SUNY Buffalo State.

Janz received his musical training at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University in the studios of Victoria Chiang and Roberto Diaz, with pedagogical studies with Rebecca Henry. He plays on a 1994 viola made by luthier Gabrielle Kundert.