Born in Riga, Latvia, Semyon Pertsovsky began studying violin at the age of five.
At the age of seven, he was accepted into the E. Darzin Music School for Gifted Children. After graduating at age 17 he enrolled into the Latvian State Music Academy where he studied violin with Prof. W. Sturestep. He graduated with a master’s degree in Solo Violin, Chamber Music and Teaching. He was also a member of the Riga Chamber Orchestra, Latvian National Opera Orchestra and Latvian State Symphony Orchestra. He arrived in Canada in 1979 and in the same year became a member of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Besides being a member of the TSO, Mr. Pertsovsky is an active chamber musician participating in many orchestras and groups as a leading player.
Mr. Pertsovsky is also an accomplished painter with works in many private collections.