Despite the early works associated with the Viola - the concerti by Stamitz and Mozart's Sinfonia concertante for example - it was the 20th century that saw the rise in interest in the instrument, with Sir William Walton, Belá Bartók, and violist / composer Paul Hindemith leading the way, responding to the artistry of such players as Lionel Tertis and William Primrose. It will come as no surprise that Bashmet is President of the International Lionel Tertis Viola Competition, and that he has a particular liking for both the Walton and Bartók concerti.

But, since his win in Munich and his subsequent international career, Bashmet has encouraged an expansion in the viola repertoire far exceeding any other period in musical history. Of particular importance are the works composed for him by contemporary Russian composers: Alfred Schnittke, Sofia Gubaidulina and Georgian Giya Kancheli. Other works written for him include: On Opened Ground, by Mark-Anthony Turnage, and John Taverner's The Myrrh Bearer and Path by Alexander Raskatov.